pristine, it was actually created about 100
years ago to generate hydroelectric power
for residents of the great San Joaquin Valley.
A narrow strip of water less than a half-mile
wide, it covers about five miles in length and
draws visitors who seek quiet and blissfully
uninterrupted solitude.
Thanks to its diminutive dimensions
and relatively shallow depths, the water
can reach 80 degrees during the summer
months, making it an ideal spot for taking a
plunge without a shivery shock of icy temps.
While the lake is popular spot for water
skiing, wakeboarding and wave runners, it
also has sheltered coves for swimming and
for sailing, as well as kayaking and pedal
boats, which can be rented.
Bring or rent fishing gear or book an
excursion to hook bass, rainbow trout, Kokanee
salmon, and more (California fishing
license required for ages 16 and above).
The surrounding Sierra National Forest
has dozens of trails to explore by foot or
mountain bike. Hikers earn a spectacular
view by climbing the challenging 5-mile
hike to Goat Mountain Fire Lookout.
For even more of a challenge, venture
into nearby Yosemite National Park, where
you can test your rock-climbing skills on
the famous granite walls and iconic domes.
STAY
CHATEAU DU SUREAU A Five Diamond
Award winner from the AAA Travel Club,
the Chateau sits on a rolling, 9-acre property
at the gateway to Yosemite National
Park about 7 miles from Bass Lake. Stay
in one of ten beautifully appointed rooms
or in Villa Sureau, a private residence with
antique furnishings. It prides itself on impeccable
service and Old-World elegance.
chateausureau.com
THE PINES RESORT A quintessential mountain
hideaway (at 3,400 feet) it features
82 South Bay Accent
Santa Rosa
Mount Shasta
rustic, two-story chalets. The Resort’s alternatives
range from lakefront suites to a
five-bedroom house—all with immediate
access to Bass Lake. Amenities include an
outdoor swimming pool with a poolside bar,
two on-site restaurants, in-room massages,
recreation facilities and more. basslake.com
TENAYA LODGE AT YOSEMITE Just two miles
from Yosemite’s south gate, the Lodge provides
a range of accommodations from
cottage rooms and two-bedroom cabins
to upscale suites. It hosts multiple restaurants
(from family to gourmet). Amenities
include spa services and indoor and outdoor
pools. There’s also mountain biking,
a kids’ adventure course, a waterfall hikes,
archery—and even dog-sitting service.
tenayalodge.com
DINE
DUCEY’S ON THE LAKE Expansive lake views
and a farm-to-table philosophy are what
distinguish this restaurant. Breakfast and
dinner offer an array of seasonal dining
options. All sauces, soups and dressings are
house-made. A Sunset Special menu is available
4 to 6 p.m. daily. basslake.com/dining
Daytrips to your choice of a nearby oasis.
CRYSTAL SPRINGS RESERVOIR (SAN MATEO
COUNTY, NEAR FILOLI) Two artificial lakes that
comprise the reservoir are characterized by their
scenic beauty and prized for giant rainbow trout and
bass. The area also is famous for stunning flora and
fauna, including several rare and endangered plants.
Surrounding trails are popular for walking, running,
skating, cycling and horseback riding.
LOCH LOMOND (SANTA CRUZ) This city-owned
reservoir is a popular and picturesque recreation
area offering boat rentals, picnicking, fishing, hiking
and natural resources interpretive programming.
Swimming is prohibited.
STOW LAKE (SAN FRANCISCO) This man-made
lake in Golden Gate Park is more than 100 years old
and a longtime favorite among locals. Today’s visitors
enjoy the, scenic paths, waterfall and Chinese
pavilion. Row boats, pedal boats and electric boats
are available for rent. This is a popular venue for
walking and observing wildlife, including ducks, geese,
Great Blue Herons and turtles.
VASONA LAKE COUNTY PARK (LOS GATOS)
Vasona Lake is a reservoir that offers paddle boats
and row boats available for rental. Anglers can catch
black bass and catfish in the lake. The park is home
to the Youth Science Institute, public pavilions, and
many hiking and biking trails.
STOW LAKE
LOCAL LAKES
NO TIME FOR LONG-DISTANCE
TRAVEL? NO WORRIES.
Yosemite
San Jose
San Francisco
Oakland
Fresno
clear
lake
shasta
lake
bass
lake
lake
sIskIyou
Redding
101
5
Sacramento
fallen
leaf
lake
tahoe
5
50
ERNA’S ELDERBERRY HOUSE This awardwinning
gourmet restaurant, located on the
grounds of Chateau du Sureau, is prized
for its inspired European cuisine, prepared
with local, seasonal and organic ingredients
from the nearby Central Valley farms. Antique
French provincial furnishings, original
oil paintings and magnificent tapestries
adorn the interior. chateausureau.com/ernas-
elderberry-house-restaurant
SMOKEHOUSE 41 This fast-casual barbecue
spot offers smoked meats ranging from
brisket and reverse-seared tri-tip to pulled
pork, prepared in an outdoor pit fueled by
California oak. Eat outside on the patio
and enjoy a pint of craft beer or wine by
the glass. smokehouse41.com
CLEAR LAKE
THE LARGEST FRESHWATER lake wholly within
California and the oldest lake in North
America is a shimmery jewel amongst the
vines of Wine Country.
Just north of Napa, Clear Lake is an angler’s
paradise—bluegill, carp and catfish
abound, but two-thirds of the fish caught
there are largemouth bass, earning this
destination the label of “Bass Capital of
the West.” Birders flock to the lake to see
ducks, pelicans, grebes, blue herons, egrets,
osprey and bald eagles breeze through the
skies overhead. The surrounding basin features
sizeable populations of deer, bears and
mountain lions.
More than 100 miles of shoreline ring
this watersport mecca. And with an average
summer temperature of 92 degrees warming
the lake, it’s popular for refreshing activities
like swimming, windsurfing, wakeboarding,
jet skiing, waterskiing and sailing.
A wealth of wineries and unpretentious
tasting rooms add oenophile flair to this
DAVID YU; OPPOSITE FROM TOP: COURTESY OF TENAYA LODGE AT YOSEMITE, COURTESY OF KONOCTI BAY SAILING CLUB