01
Best waterfall scramble
Willow Creek to Angel Falls
Northwest Side Of Bass Lake Off Road 274 • Rocky Creekside Trail With Cascades And Pools • Adventure Pick For Confident Hikers
A short, punchy hike that strings together bouldery creek crossings, polished granite, and the photogenic drops of Angel Falls.
Starting from the Willow Creek trailhead, this route climbs quickly along the canyon with several spots to step out on warm slabs above the water. Expect some scrambling on granite and roots, especially near the falls, so sturdy shoes and good balance go a long way. Go early on summer weekends for cooler temps and easier parking, and keep an eye on kids near fast-moving water.
02
Best quick viewpoint loop
Way of the Mono Interpretive Trail
South Shore Above The Pines Resort • Short Interpretive Loop With Lake Overlook • Top Choice For Families And First-Time Visitors
A one-mile loop that mixes gentle climbing, lake views, and interpretive signs about the Mono people who once lived around Bass Lake.
From the small parking area above the south shore, the path winds through manzanita and pine before topping out on a granite knob with a wide-angle look over the water. The climb is brief but steady, making it a solid leg-stretcher for kids or a sunset stroll after dinner at the marina. Take a few extra minutes at the top to read the panels and get some context for the landscape you are looking across.
03
Best summit-style climb
Goat Mountain Trail
Ridge Above Bass Lake Near Spring Cove • Forest Road And Trail To A Fire Lookout Summit • Fitness Hike With Big-Sky Payoff
A sustained climb to a historic fire lookout with sweeping views over Bass Lake, the Sierra foothills, and distant granite peaks.
Most hikers start near Spring Cove and follow a mix of singletrack and forest road that switchbacks steadily up the ridge. The grade is consistent rather than technical, so it is a good training hike if you like to hike with purpose and earn your view. On clear days you can spot the jagged skyline toward Yosemite, so bring water, a snack, and be ready for sun exposure on the upper sections.
04
Best creek-and-falls outing
Lewis Creek National Recreation Trail
Between Oakhurst And Yosemite Off Highway 41 • Shaded Riparian Trail With Multiple Waterfalls • Cooler-Weather Favorite And Shoulder-Season Go-To
A forested path that follows Lewis Creek past old logging relics to cascades like Corlieu and Red Rock Falls.
The main access is a small pullout north of Oakhurst, where you drop quickly from the highway into a cooler, mossy corridor along the creek. Short spur paths lead to waterfall viewpoints and rock benches where you can sit out of the sun and listen to the water. The trail can be damp and rooty in places, so expect a few muddy patches in spring and bring trekking poles if you are unsteady on uneven ground.
05
Best giant sequoia wander
Nelder Grove of Giant Sequoias
Northeast Of Oakhurst Off Sky Ranch Road • Network Of Mellow Forest Loops Among Sequoias • Unhurried Half-Day Escape
A quieter alternative to the big parks, with several gentle trails weaving through stands of giant sequoias and old logging history.
Once you leave the pavement, a graded forest road leads to trailheads where you can piece together easy loops through mixed conifer forest. The routes pass fallen giants, the massive Bull Buck Tree, and interpretive stops that hint at how this grove was logged and later protected. It is a great spot for slower-paced hiking, picnic breaks, and cooler air on hot Bass Lake afternoons, but check road conditions early in the season.