Take the plunge to visit ‘mini’ Tahoe.
If the beauty of Lake Tahoe besotted you, Bass Lake would not disappoint. This enticing lake calls out aqua babies and water sport enthusiasts to take the plunge amount its enchanting alpine setting. Sitting below sister lake, Bass Lake is elevated at 1,036 metres and is a seamless add-on to any visit to Yosemite National Park, a World Heritage Site. Despite its winter appearance of pine forest surrounds, its warm waters make it the perfect place for summertime, water-based fun.
The Pines Resort at Bass Lake is one of Yosemite National Parks’ premier accommodation spots, located on the fringes of the lake and surrounded by a soaring pine forest. If suffering from post nature depression from witnessing the natural spectacle that is Yosemite National Park, a stay at The Pines Resort will help satisfy the longing.
Location
The location is unbeatable, just 27 kilometres from the Southern gate of Yosemite National Park on the fringe of the Sierra National Forest. It is the only lakeside resort in the Yosemite National Park area.
The rooms and chalets are stepped down a small hill and providing blissful views of the lake. (Breathing in that fresh, alpine morning air while looking at the lake from your balcony is unbeatable). Pine trees tower resorts’ accommodation, with the lake only footsteps away to enjoy some water fun. Just be wary of bears in the area!
The rooms
Get cabin fever for all the right reasons. Bring your mates or your family and snuggle up to this cosy accommodation. The resort features lakefront rooms and chalets. The resorts’ two-storey wooden chalets feature bedrooms located on the ground, with its first floor featuring a sizable kitchen and comfortable lounge room area.
To be rest assured for a decent nights’ sleep, the bedrooms do not provide much sunlight. The beds themselves are comfortable; however, space is tight in the two double bedroom configuration so you may need to work your luggage Tetris game. The highlight of the cabins includes the balconies, complete with a BBQ to encourage you to really embrace the great outdoors over a cook up. (There is a mini-supermarket on the resorts’ premise to get those last-minute supplies!) Having a morning cuppa with lakeside views was a perfect way to start the day!
Related reads: Ace Your Visit To Yosemite In One Day
Activities
Mad outdoor lovers have the best of Bass Lake and pristine wilderness on their doorstep.
The lake is a playground for water sport activities with hire stations easily accessible. Fill up your agenda for the day with swimming, wakeboarding, kayaking, and leisurely boat trips along the lake, including pedal boating (oh how romantic!). If you are good with a rod, maybe even catch yourself a catch of the day, reeling in snag bass, Kokanee salmon or rainbow trout!
Related Reads: How To Have A Not So Smallish Adventure In California’s Mammoth Lakes
Waking up early to go on a morning kayak ride was a joyous moment – especially enjoying the rays in the morning sun. If you feel the need flex your muscles, opt for the wooden oars or make life easier for yourself and get the plastic paddles as this made the kayak outing a lot more idyllic and serene with my uncoordinated arms! My heavenly moment onboard the lake was soon followed by a quick dip in the lake. It was the perfect way to start an action-packed day!
The action isn’t all just on the water as there is much to do on land. Numerous trails are surrounding the Sierra National Forest, giving you more the reason to pack in your workout sweats and Timberlands.
Cap off your day with a sundowner picnic alongside California’s most picturesque lakeside locations and discover why its moment in the Sierra Nevada worth capturing.
The details
The Pines Resort – 54432 Road 432, Bass Lake, California 93604
See more: United States travel
Images Sourced: Yosemite This Year
Julia travelled as a guest of Yosemite This Year, and all thoughts are of her own.
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