Bass Lake
You may have come for Yosemite, but you’ll want to make a stop at this amazing destination just a short drive from Jackass Hostel. You’ll be driving right by it on your way to and from Yosemite. Here are the highlights.
Food and Shopping
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Head over to the Pines Village and explore. Here you will find cute shops, restaurants, a small market and the Pines Bar. Most holiday weekends there is a Crafts Fair. Look for live music daily at the marina and music and DJs. at the Pines Bar. More specifics below.
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Located in the Pines Village, this mini mountain market is a great grab and go market. Good for convenience.
Address: 54432 Road 432, Bass Lake
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Located in the Pines Village, a short drive from Jackass Hostel along the beautiful Bass Lake, Pines Bar features live music/DJs on the regular. Pool tables and a big outdoor deck for hanging.
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Pizza, sandwiches, salads and more. The Pines Village Bakery is open 7 days a week from 8am-9pm.
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A host favorite! This great little mexican restaurant is located by the Pines Village. Tasty food, and feels like going home to grandmas kitchen kind of environment.
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Located near the Pines Village, Marina Grill features live music just about every day in the summer. Outdoor seating with a beach cabana vibe on the lakeside.
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A laid back burger and sandwich cafe overlooking the lake. There is also a Marina onsite where you can rent paddle boards/boats and more. There is also a cute little gift shop.
ALSO, located on the South Side of the lake where the public beaches are and the best swimming opportunities.
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Your classic burger joint known for their malts and shakes, the Forks Resort is a great stop along the lake. Indoor and outdoor dining and a cute shop.
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Mountain lodge upscale style dining. Great for dates. Or just for fun. We recommend the eggs benedict for breakfast with their bloody mary…. Mmmm Mmm GOOD!
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Take a walk upstairs from Ducey’s On the Lake and you’ll find the more casual dining area. Great food with awesome lake views.
Events and Music
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Live music, DJs, craft fairs, comedy shows and more.
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Car shows, outdoor movie nights and live music.
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Enjoy live music DAILY ta the Marina Bar and Grill.
Music daily from 12pm-3pm and 6pm-9pm.
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Events, live music karaoke Thursdays from 9pm-1am and DJs every Friday and Saturday from 9pm-1am. ($5 cover)
Hikes and Trails
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Great .6 mile loop interpretive trail showing uses of plants among the Mono Indians. A great hike for sunset/sunrise views of Bass Lake.
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A host favorite. The Willow Creek Trail is a 3.1 miles loop along a stunning waterway.
Great views, lots of spots to jump in and cool off (please not above any waterfalls or sketchy areas). This trail is rated dangerous during the wet season.
Go early in the morning or during the week, as this trail can be very BUSY. It’s popular.
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A more adventurous hike from Bass Lake up to Goat Mountain fire lookout.
Starting at the Forks Campground.
Watch out for mountain bikers, as this is a popular mountain bike trail.
Mountain Bike Trails
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This single track trail is broken in to different sections. Some flowy and fast while others more technical.
Get the full break down here:
Trail Forks 007 Bass Lake -
Part of a 7 mile loop, this ride takes you up above Bass Lake and brings you back down to The Forks Resort. Good for most skill levels.
Be aware of hikers on this trail.
For full trail details:
Trail Forks Goat Mountain -
No joking around on this technical trail. Recommended for advanced riders only with full suspension bikes. Lots of technical riding along this trail.
For full trail details:
Willow Creek Trail Forks -
Head over to Pedal Forward in Oakhurst.
Offerings: Bicycle Repair & Rental, Bike Accessories, Concierge Services including Detailed recommendations on where to ride, hike, and recreate based on your ability and interests. You can also book a bike tour!
Address: 40761 Highway 41 #4 Oakhurst, CA 93644
Phone: 559-676-8842
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Take a small look at some single track trails around Bass Lake with this mini video: Mountain Bike Bass Lake
Swimming and Watersports
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Looking for a spot to jump in? We recommend heading for the South Short of Bass Lake. (You can head towards the Forks Resort or Millers Landing). Along the way you will see some day use areas (parking fee may apply). Or find a turnout to park in along the road and make your way down to the lake for a swim.
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Looking to get a bit of paddling in out on the lake?
Rent a canoe, kayak, paddle board at these locations:
Miller’s Landing is located on the south shore. You’ll find this area to be a little less travelled.
Bass Lake Boat Rentals Marina
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You can rent a boat and spend the day on the lake. Go skiing, wake boarding or relax on a party barge.
Rent from the following locations:
Fishing
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We recommend heading to the south side of Bass Lake where you can take advantage of day use areas (parking fee may apply) or find one of many turnouts to park and head down to the shore line. Explore around between Miller’s Landing and The Forks Resort.
You can also get crazy, rent a boat and spend the day exploring the lake while you fish. (see swimming and watersports section for rental information.)
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You’ll need a fishing license to cast your line out there. Day passes and annual passes are available.
You can purchase a fishing license at the Pines Market.
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Don’t worry. There are lots of options for this. You can buy gear at any of the stores around the lake. Miller’s Landing, The Forks Resort, Pines Market and Bass Lake Watersports. OR you can head in to Oakhurst and visit Big 5.