Lakeside Thanksgiving Getaway: A Feast For The Senses

When it comes to Thanksgiving getaways, Bass Lake is often overlooked. Of course, summer is a great time to lounge about the tranquil waters, but this time of year has a lot of amazing reasons to visit as well. Here’s a quick rundown of the reasons why you should plan a Bass Lake Thanksgiving getaway today.

The crowds may have become smaller, but the fun sure hasn’t. On Thanksgiving, Ducey’s on the Lake hosts a traditional Thanksgiving Buffet. It’s so good that it typically sells out weeks ahead of time. After Turkey Day on Friday, head over to the Pines Village Holiday Market Arts & Crafts Fair at the Pines Resort. This is your chance to pick up a one-of-a-kind holiday gift for that special someone. The festivities finish with the Annual Bass Lake Christmas Tree Lighting & Parade. Nearly a thousand visitors, guests, and locals enjoy a parade of lights in the village, followed by a raffle and the arrival of Santa Claus.

As other parts of California have closed up shop for the season, Bass Lake gives you an opportunity to go fishing. Autumn – especially mid-November to mid-December – offers some of the best opportunities to catch a bass. In fact, it may be one of the best times of the year to try and catch a trophy bass.

Depending on how much energy you have after your Thanksgiving feast, here are a few options for getting outside and enjoying the fresh air. The Way of the Mono Trail is a short 0.5-mile round-trip hike with expansive views overlooking Bass Lake. Look for interpretive signs depicting native flora and fauna and information about the Mono Indian Tribe. Keep your eyes open for the resident Bald Eagles that nest on the south shores of Bass Lake. 

This short hike is a great choice for those who want to learn more about the first people that inhabited the region. This interpretive trail features amazing views alongside historical plaques that detail the Mono Indian life and the use of the area.

Following the north fork of the Willow Creek, this trail, especially this time of year, provides a nice walk without the pesky mosquitoes. About a half mile in you'll reach the star of the hike, Angel Falls, which is a series of cascades and small waterfalls along Willow Creek. For those looking for a more secluded hike, continue further for beautiful over the shoulder views of Bass Lake.

When it comes to views, look no further than the Goat Mountain Lookout Trail, overlooking Bass Lake and the Sierra National Forest. This mountain got its name back when Bass Lake was being created in the Crane Valley above Oakhurst due to the goats brought in to stamp down the dirt in the lake basin. These animals then migrated to this mountain and voila! The rest is history.

So, if you're looking to ditch your normal Thanksgiving festivities or try new ones and take full advantage of your time off, Bass Lake should be on your must do list.

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