BassLakeCa.com

Thanks for having such a great web site for Bass Lake. I have checked it regularly for the last few years to check on conditions at the lake. Your web site creates a connection for me to the lake through the rest of the year. I like to check on the lake level, snow pack, and the weather forecast -- All of it indicating that this is going to be another stellar summer at Bass Lake. I have such fond memories of the many summers at Bass Lake. My father first visited Bass lake on his way back from a fishing trip to Yosemite with some buddies in the mid 50's. He stopped there for lunch and decided the lake was so beautiful that he would come back with the family that summer. The annual tradition was well established by the time I came along in the early 60's. I have such great memories of summers at Bass Lake; the rope swing at Wishon Cove, sliding down the falls and hiking up-stream, "exploring" the lake, burgers at The Forks, malts at Millers Landing, The soda fountain and movie theater at The Pines, camping at the Forks or Denver Church or staying in cabins at the Forks, quiet fishing time early in the morning and learning to water ski on the lake. There is something magical about Bass Lake that has drawn me back year after year. I now bring my family each summer. My son has learned to water ski (and wakeboard) on Bass Lake and has many fond memories of his own. We live in San Diego, so it is about a 7 hour drive each way, but worth every minute of it (even while trailering a boat). Bruce Smith 3-3-09

---

My name is Eva Taylor. Bass Lake is my family's favorite vacation destination. We visit at least once, sometimes twice a year. We've been there in the winter when it has snowed as well as visited in the summer, enjoying beautiful weather while boating on the lake. We cannot say enough nice things about the people in the community and all of the staff. We will be visiting on the weekend of February 20th 2009, and are hoping for snow! As of today, Feb. 14th - chances look pretty good!! Thank you for allowing me to post a comment...Looking forward to spending the weekend at Bass Lake next week! Eva Taylor & Darlene Stamps. 2-14-09

---

Hi, Thanks for setting up this site. I just found it. I came to Bass Lake in the winter of 1946. I was 6 years old. My parents were the managers of The Forks Resort on the West side. Their names were Les and Alta Mathes. I lived there until 1960 when I went into the Air Force. During those 19 years I hunted and fished all over the area. It was a great place to grow up. I could tell you stories and maybe write a book on all my experiences there, like when I looked out my bedroom window, which was next to the store and saw it was on fire. I yelled to my parents and I don't think they believed me until they saw it too. The whole resort was burnt to the ground. That was in the late 40's. My dad rebuilt the store. I have been back several times thoughout the years and don't like too many of the changes, but I still call the area, "God's Country." I now live on the coast of Oregon. You are welcome to email me if you want to hear more. Larry Campbell (Mathes) larcam60@yahoo.com 2-19-09

---

This is my second post - the first was 8/2005. Two months after that date, on Oct. 2005, I was diagnosed with cancer. I spent the next couple years recuperating from surgery and chemo, and had no energy to continue my Bass Lake tradition. Now, more than 3 years later, I am happy to say that I am a survivor, and even happier to say that I spent another week during August 2008 at the Happiest Place on Earth.........BASS LAKE! This year, for the first time, my 2 kids, 5 grandchildren and great grandaughter will spend a week during July 2009. As if it weren't great enough, now there is movie night out on the lawn by Duceys, Fireworks EVERY Friday night, jazz on the lake every Friday night, and a farmers market. Last year we saw a whole family of raccoons (5) and even greater than that the bald eagle and its' nest! And to all of you who think Bass lake is YOUR lake....make no mistake....it is MY LAKE for the past 45 years - since I first went to Camp Santa Teresita at the young age of 12. For the past 20 years I graduated to renting homes, but, it's still camping to me. Best memories, good times, relaxation, and the hope against hope that I too can retire there. Happy trails to all my fellow Bass Lake fan club members~ Kathi Morris 2/19/2009.

---

My name is Eva Taylor. Bass Lake is my family's favorite vacation destination. We visit at least once, sometimes twice a year. We've been there in the winter when it has snowed as well as visited in the summer, enjoying beautiful weather while boating on the lake. We cannot say enough nice things about the people in the community and all of the staff. We will be visiting on the weekend of February 20th 2009, and are hoping for snow! As of today, Feb. 14th - chances look pretty good!! Thank you for allowing me to post a comment...Looking forward to spending the weekend @ Bass Lake next week! Eva Taylor & Darlene Stamps. 2-14-09

---

My father grew up in Bass Lake and his sister still lives and resides in the cabin my grandfather built. We spent a lot of family vacations there and they are times I shall never forget. My grand parents are gone now and my father has since passed, so I don't get to venture out that way much. They say you can never go back in time however, in the last few times I visited, I truly felt it to be home. I miss it very much. Susie Couch, grand daughter of Verbal and Vera Couch 2-6-09

---

Growing up at Bass Lake is amazing. You get to see how much the town changes throughout the years and how many people come visit to camp and have a good time. Year by year we see more people visiting. My family and I, along with our huge group of family and friends, would come every summer and sometimes twice a year. I was twelve weeks old when I was introduced to Bass Lake and can't think of anywhere better to go camp and have a great time. So many memories of the morning Wake-run (wakeboarding) at 8 am, deer walking to the lake for a drink, Smell of the sequoias and pine trees around you, the peacock just wondering around the side of the road as cars pass and the best part is the story of elmer being repeated at the campfire and then screaming elmer as we walk to millers for ice cream and food. Angi Pettis, West Hills, Ca 11-25-08

---

I am 10 years old and live in Coarsegold California which is pretty close to Bass Lake. My family and I go to Bass Lake every summer because I have a picture of me at the lake when I was little and remember going there since then. We used to camp but the last 2 years we rented a cabin from Dick and Betty Swartz--and boy do we love that!!! There is a dock that is just a short walk away and we can go there whenever we want and hangout, swim, have fun and boat. We are looking forward to going back there again next year. Tony Tucker 10-20-08

---

Hi All, My name is Rene Silva from Sylmar, CA I am representing the Silva, Romero, Victor and Inez Families. We have been going to Bass Lake for 3-4 years on Vacation. Boy do we love it. The entire family looks forward to going every year especially the kids. The lake is great along with all the people and the scenery as seen on the website, it is beautiful. For the first time and maybe the only time we saw an American Bald Eagle on the trees in Bass Lake. That’s something not everyone will get to see in a life time. We’ll Base Lake we will see you in a year for some more fun on the lake and of course ALL the GREAT FOOD! Silva, Romero, Victor and Inez Families.Rene Silva 8-25-08

---

Bass Lake is a family tradition. My family started going to Bass Lake with Boy Scout Troop 457 out of South Gate, California in the 60's. My dad was the troop leader. My two older brothers Paul and Alan and I were all in the Boy Scouts. My mom, little sister Karen and younger brother Mark also went along. This was their yearly vacation, though I'm sure it was more of a working vacation for my mom. We camped there every year for years. I remember watching the planes take off and land at the Wishon Airport that was at the end of the lake where we camped. "Don't ever go over there," we were told over and over. Yeah right, you might as well have given us a ride over there. We were always over there! That airstrip is now long gone. As we got older and were out of scouting, my younger brother Mark was now fulfilling his scouting duties and our dad was still troop leader. Paul, Alan and I were still going along but brought our girlfriends with us. The girls would room together in one tent, the boys in another. Well, over 40 years later, we are still going. These same girls are now our wives. Sue and I have been bringing our children, Jeff and Josh since they were babies. We have only missed a couple of years since we started going. We no longer camp, there are many beautiful homes for rent on the lake. We prefer that over camping. We rent party boats, jet skis and ski boats from Bass Lake Water Sports and Marina, special thanks to Tom for a spectacular view from his dock every morning as my brothers and I enjoy the sun coming up with our morning coffee as Tom and his crack staff prepare for the day ahead, Tom has become a good friend. Our oldest son Jeff and his wife Marianne are both school teachers and live in Texas. They try to make the trip an often as they can but living in Houston, it can be quite a drive. Josh still comes every year and now brings his girlfriend along. I have a number of photo galleries from Bass Lake including one of the Bass Lake eagle and would love to have you view them. Go to http://www.pbase.com/fletchaka/bass_lake Gary Hattrup La Mirada, California 8-23-08

---

It has been a few years since I was there, around 2005. Had a great time, really can't wait to return. I loved BBQ on the lake!!! Thinking about going back by Sept.8-18-08

---

I use to spend my summers at Bass Lake starting at 2 years old(1966). My son is at Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp right now. It is amazing how many memories are brought back to me. Does anyone remember the big slide at The Pines? You would have to walk up a big flight of stairs and slide down on burlap sacks. I also remember the bakery by the grocery store and they had great cookies. Our cabin was close to the old Ducey's and we use to get great candy there. Bazooka bubble gum has always reminded me of Bass Lake. We use to use it to plug holes in our boat and we would get it from The Forks Restaurant. It has been 25 years since I have been to Bass Lake and I look forward to going next Friday. Anyone remember the rope swing in Willow Cove? Susan Beall Newport Beach, CA 8-10-08

---

Hello my name is Steven Black, last year I took the work at Yosemite Bible Camp north of Oakhurst, as camp manager. My wife Debbie is a school teacher and continues to commute from our home in Riverbank, CA on the weekends. I have lived here for just over a year, the weather is great the people are truly special. I am very proud to be a part of your community. The fireworks show was spectacular this year. For all of you that want a place to retire there is no other place like the Oakhurst area. Thank You, Steven 8-7-08

---

Hi, My name is John Buster, and I did a lot of growing up around bass lake. At the time, I lived in Oakhurst with my family, and attended Wasuma Elementry, then Yosemite High (Briefly). I can’t remember a 4th of July without bass lake while I lived there. I might have been magically transformed into a bass if I had lived there much longer. I remember the Ducey’s and The Pines, I used to hang out at the arcade behind the pines, and my older brother got in big trouble once for setting off a ludicrous amount of fireworks right there on the beach! We always spent the day at the falls, at the picnic tables closest to the docks. I have been thinking about Bass Lake a lot lately, because when I was about 12 (I’m 34 now) I saved a little boy from drowning at the falls. His father happened to be the next person I rescued from the falls, because after I got the boy back to the rock by the falls, someone up on the bridge shouted “There’s still someone down there!”, and I jumped back in and helped pull out this really big guy. MAN that was hard! I remember when I got back to the rock with the boy, I handed him over to someone that I then realized was (in my opinion) the hottest girl in school, Andrea Brain, and I think I remember her saying “That was the coolest thing I have ever seen!” So, after this all went down, the father, who was a little shaky, told me “If there’s anything I can ever do for you, just let me know”, and I said “Just promise me you’ll never do that again!” and I swam away. I don’t know their names, and I am curious about how they are doing. Saving that kid was hard, he was so freaked out that when I was swimming back to shore with him, he was tearing my face up trying to climb out of the water over my head! I will never forget that day, or any other day I went to Bass Lake. My best wishes to that family, John Buster sonoradog@gmail.com July 24, 2008.

---

I moved to Bass Lake in 1960, attended Bass Lake Elementary School, and then Sierra High School. What a way to grow up. My parents built our house, 4th house towards the tower from the Pines. My farther built the miniature golf coarse at the pines. I so miss the old Pines Resort with the circular fireplace, the Falls, and Duceys. I worked summers at the old Shell gas station in the pines, gas was 64 cents a gallon. I moved away in 1972, but I have not missed a single 4th of July since. My two kids, now 20 and 23, have been going to the lake since birth. I have a picture of myself at 4 years old standing on the forks dock, complete with the old yellow boats, I also have the same picture with my son at 4, same boats! My wife always has the chicken fried steak at the forks (thanks Ron & Leslie) the food always tastes better at the lake. We will be back this year, our multiple family group is now 30 plus and now includes grand kids. Thanks so much for the web site, I visit the lake every day on line. Tom Hiniker and family, Acton Ca. 5/4/08

---

Oh, the memories....My family spent the summers of the '60's here, in Bass Lake. I have such great childhood memories. Great times, Great Family, Great People,  Great Place! What fun we always has! I clearly recall "The Falls", and" McDougals". I wish someone would post a photo of "The Falls", before the lease ran out, the building and the falls. Some people don't believe a building really ever existed, as there is no area to build it today (so I am told). I'd love to see a photo of "Doogies" too before it burned ! I returned to Bass Lake a few years ago, after not having been for over 30 years. While it is still a "perfect slice of Heaven", it has changed sooo much. The memories are still in my mid, but the place has drastically changed. Isn't that what happens with progress!!! Oh well, it will always be the same in my memories and those of you discovering it now, will have your own memories of this fabulous place e on earth!  Bass Lake.  Sherry Benedon, Calabasas Ca. 3-7-08.

---

I started coming to Bass Lake when I was 2 weeks old.  Every year until I was 7 years old, my parents would take us there for our family vacation.  But it was not a normal family vacation.  We would have approximately 20-40 friends and family members stay at the Forks campgrounds for about a week. MMMM Forks burgers, and the Bazooka gum they left when they gave you the check after your meal.   I remember the first fish I caught at the age of 5, and someone stole it, and I cried for hours.  My mom one time made 200 tacos for the whole crew.  It was so much fun, but we were not able to get to Bass Lake as often as we did when I was younger.  I even learned how to water-ski at Bass Lake.  The last time I went there with my Father, I remember rolling down the window in the truck, taking a deep breath and saying……..  Do You Smell That?, and my Dad said what, Heaven…….  This year I’m turning 40, and I’m coming home to celebrate.  Thanks Bass Lake, for giving me 40years of the best times in my life. Karen Rampolla 2-20-08

---

We have been coming to Bass lake since 1990...We love the lake ,and the people...We especially love listening to the Yosemite Jazz Band every 4th of July at Ducy's along with the fire works. Then having pizza at the Pizza factory in Oakhurst on Thursday nights during the summer and listening to Yosemite Jazz Band . We'll be back for 2008.The Howell's Clan  from Ventura, Calif. 1-4-08

---

My grandparents, parents and relatives started going to Base Lake in the early 40's, My folks brought many trailers to the lake and stayed mostly on the south shore for many years. Our combined families finally purchased our first cabin around 1955, 1 miles west of the Pines at the first "big bend in the road". My grandparents stayed year round at the cabins, but our family and my uncle's family had to commute on vacations and holidays from Taft, California (4 hours away). In 1959, our families sold the old cabin and purchased another about 1/4 mile east of the Pines. We kept that cabin for about 3 years, until the death of my Grandmother. I have very many happy memories of growing up and having fun at Base Lake. I go up every on-in-awhile just to visit the old house with the large rock retaining wall my grandfather built. I go to your web site almost every day, because your camera #2 is pointing into the cove of our first cabin. By the way, my wife and I have an argument, ever since we went to Base Lake. At the original Pines, there was a bakery that made the best apple turnovers. I tell my wife that the turnovers are now smaller and not as good as the first. She said that was because I was younger and now I have forgotten a lot. At age 62, I am not that senile. Thank you letting share my thoughts.  Don Cauvel , Bakersfield,  California 11-15-07

 

---

I just read the entry of Melissa Bendix from 11/16/06 and I must let you know that my husband and I purchased your grandfather’s home in 2001.  We, too, have shared many beautiful memories there and have enjoyed looking at “Goat Mountain” from the living room window.  Diving and fishing off the dock, swimming to “big rock” in the cove, jet skiing, watching tons of kids learn to wake board…these are only some of the cherished times we have enjoyed.  We still see your grandfather and if you are in the area, would love to have you stop in and say hello and give you a tour through the home.  I can’t think of a better place to live and thank God for such a blessing.  Colleen 10-14-07.

---

I'm 39 years old and started going to Bass Lake when I was a baby (before I was born, actually). We lived in Corcoran, California at the time and my dad worked for Salyer. Fred Salyer had a cabin on the lake. My dad was friends with Scott Salyer (his son) and we would go almost every weekend. We stayed in Salyer's cabin on Arrow Road. I caught my first fish at Bass Lake. I was about 7 (and female) and couldn't take the fish off the hook so I walked back up to the cabin with the fish dangling from my line. Scott had to take it off the hook for me and tell me it was too late to keep it because it had died. My dad and Scott used to water ski all the time. My favorite part of that was when they would gas up the boat. I couldn't believe there was a gas station and store floating on the water. (I was little). I used to walk to the Pines store and buy candy. The loft in the cabin smelled like an orange whistlepop for several years after that. I bought a fake snake at the novelty store and kept it for years. My dad quit working for Salyer's in the 80s and Scott went on to college and they didn't hang out like they used to so we stopped going to Bass Lake. About 4 years ago for our anniversary, my husband and I booked a room at the Houndstooth Inn in Oakhurst. I drove him to Bass Lake because I wanted him to see where I practically grew up. I loved Bass Lake and wanted him to see what I was talking about all those years. I remembered how to get to the cabin even though I hadn't been there since I was about 15. When I got there, I was surprised to see the sign my mother made way back in the 70s about no tresspassing, violators will be towed- it was still there! No one was there but I went down to their dock. The water was low that year and I sat on the dry dock and just
looked across the lake and told my husband all about the fun times I had over at that cabin and Bass Lake. Someone has since remodelled the cabin and I'm hoping it is the Salyer's. I hope they still have it. It holds so many memories for me. My dad is gone now but every time I go to Bass Lake it reminds me of him. I take my kids about every other weekend just for the day to swim. We now go on the other side of the lake to the campgrounds. I agree with one of the other people who posted about the trash. I can't stand to see people just throw their stuff anywhere. I feel like this is "MY" lake. I grew up here and now I'm taking my children here. After we spend our day and we're packing up, we will walk along and pick up trash that other people have left behind because we don't want to come back to that mess. One day I was so mad someone had taken off their kid's wet diaper and just left it there. Bass Lake is so beautiful because the people that live there and the people that know and love it take care of it and it irks me when people like that don't care. I love Bass Lake. We're going this weekend for one last swimming day. I figure it will probably be too cold for the kids to swim after this Sunday so one last swimming trip and any other trip after this will just be for a picnic only. My co-worker is going to follow me. He's heard me talk about it so much, he wants to take his children there too. We live in the valley, where they call mud holes "Lake Success" or "Lake Kaweah". He has no idea what a real and beautiful lake it. He's going to find out. To the Salyers, thank you for all of the great memories. If you still own the cabin and haven't sold it, I'd love to see what you've done to it. It looks beautiful from the outside! Wendy H. Tulare, CA 9-26-07

---

---

Since about 1963 our family and friends have been coming to Bass Lake.  As my brother said in his Christmas Newsletter last year, we will be going to Bass Lake for the rest of our lives until we find somewhere more beautiful.  To us it is like our second home.  Every year we would arrive at the designated beach, to see who had come this year.  My parents high school friends were always there.  Of coarse that was our extended family.   It was fun to watch the families grow.  It was sad when the burger place we loved so well by the falls had gone one year.  Then later Ducey’s.  Oh, but the wonderful memories we have at these places.  Watching movies at the old theatre.  Visiting the souvenier shop on the corner.  Thank goodness they still have those practical joke objects.  The fake poo poo that grandma Jojo blamed on the grandkids.  Then went into a dirty martini glass years later at someones birthday.  Oh yeah, that was my birthday.  Last year was our first year without any adults.  Of coarse brother thinks this is funny considering we are all in our 30’s and 40’s.  Oh we had such a blast.  It was the first year we saw the eagles nest too.  One year we came kind of late in the season.  It was pretty cold all the time.  My son and I had bunk beds in an inclosed porch that had not been closed up yet for the winter.  Everyone else thought we were crazy.  We had to change into our pajamas in the sleeping bags.  Every morning we could here the geese, and see the fog hanging over the water.  It was beautiful.  My son and I had a great time.  And who can forget the falls.   Last year my son and I came up before anyone.  A first for us.  We bought some lunch and hung out at the beach before the cabin was ready.  It was like we had never left.  Thank you Bass Lake.  The Young, Glock, Puzik, etc, families July 31^st 2007.  See you soon.

---

---

My wife and I started a summer tradition 5 years ago to bring our family up to beautiful Bass Lake every 4th of July.  We have a 6 & 7 year old boy and girl who love to eat burgers at The Forks and swim & slide down The Falls. To me there’s nothing better than a few hundred boats sitting side by side in a circle watching California’s greatest 4th of July fireworks show.   It’s truly the highlight of summer to visit this area.   We’ll be leavingtomorrow for this years trip and I can’t seem to get any work done as the anticipation is pulling me north already.   Look for the rustic lake front cabin near The Falls with the giant American flag – see you at Bass Lake, The Tronson family, West Hills, CA  June 28th, 2007

---

---

The Bass Lake website has been very beneficial this year and hopefully years to come. We are now residents of Bass Lake with a vacation home in Willows Cove. The website helps us gauge the water temp very accurately. We are now thinking about getting married in Bass Lake. Thanks for the website! J. Williams 5-8-07

---

Kelly Silva........Where are you?? I heard you made your home at Bass Lake. Of course you picked the most beautiful place to live. Contact OneLuckyFamily@aol.com  Linda in Woodland, CA. 5-4-08

---

In 1950 I was manager/projectionist at the Pines Theater in Bass Lake.  My wife to be, Jacqueline Willis, sold the tickets.  Her sister, Irene Willis, was the ticket taker.  My future father-in-law, "Jack" Willis was a rock mason and specialized in building fireplaces and rock walls.  Jackie's mother Neva Willis worked for the Pines Resorts and later as an LVN at the Madera County Hospital.  "Jack" and Neva Willis settled at Bass Lake in the mid-1920's.  Jackie's brother, John, grew up at Bass Lake to become a Forest Ranger.  During the summer of 1950, Jackie and I and her sister and brother and Amy Long, wife of Van Long who operated Long's Studio, spent many hours exploring the back country around Bass Lake.  It was truly a memorable summer.  After Jackie and I were married in 1951 I became a Probation Officer in Madera and we spent many week-ends at Bass Lake visiting her parents who lived on a hill overlooking the old airport.  Unfortunately, in 1959  we moved to Sacramento which severely limited our ability to  visit Bass Lake.   My last visit was in 1988.  By then the Bass Lake of the 1950's was gone. Charles & Jackie Bridges  Sacramento, CA  5-1-07

---

Back in 1961, while in the USAF at Fairfield, CA; I met another airman from the Bass Lake area.  He invited me to his home for the weekend, which entailed a day trip to Bass Lake.  I have been in every major city in the world, lived in Bavaria, Holland, Thailand - but have never, never seen a place so beautiful as Bass Lake.  I was only there once, over 40 years ago, but the beauty of the Lake and surroundings still have a prominent resting place in my "good times" memory. 4-30-07

---

Hi, i just wanted to say that i've been visiting Bass Lake ever since i was a baby and i always loved going to my grandma's house near the town. I remember one year when i was a little kid there used to be a A&W Root Beer store and it was awesome to go there and just hang out. Well i'm 24 now and a Specialist in the Army and i dont get many chances to come back there but when i do i'm gonna love every part of it just as if i was a little kid again. I love it there. Thanx Jeffrey Davis, Specialist U.S. Army. Oxnard, CA. Currently stationed in Germany. 3-31-07

---

I really appreciate the webcams. Even more.I appreciate Bass Lake. My grandparents, Joe & Laura Elerick bought a cabin at Bass Lake in thelate 1930's. When they retired in the late 1960's, they moved there full time. I have so many memories of Bass Lake I could probably fill many, many pages. I lived with them most of the time since my parents were always working in the midst of the Aerospace Industry. I attended Yosemite High School when it opened. Went to Fresno State from 1979 to 1984 and then moved to Lake Tahoe for about 8 years because of a job. In 1992 I moved back to Oakhurst and when I found the right home at Bass Lake, I bought it. Lake Tahoe is nice in the summer..... Bass Lake is better for year round living. And..the water at Bass Lake is actually warm enough to enjoy. (Tahoe sarcasm). My brother, sister and myself literally have hundreds of photos taken at Bass Lake from the late 1930's up through today. Sometimes I wonder if the owner of the cabin (giant magnificent million-dollar home now) might like to see what their house used to look like? The lake hasn't changed all that much. I domiss the miniature golf where the Pines now sits. And the wild parties we had on Friday and Saturday nights up Beasore Road (pronounced baysore, not bayshore). And the Bass Lake stables near Willow Cove. And being able to ride my mini-bike (Honda Z-50) from our cabin to Beasore Road when Beasore was a dirt road from one end to another and we had to avoid logging trucks coming down with their load of fresh cut trees. Or watching the planes land at the Bass Lake Airport (my brother is a pilot and we landed there many times in a Cesna). Like I said, I could go on and on about Bass Lake. Nothing but the best memories Scott A. Runtzel 12-27-06

---

Oh, where to start.  I have been going to Bass Lake since I was an infant. My grandparents Bob & Dee Todd built their cabin there in 1970.  We would come up all the time.  These are most of the best memories of my life.  I was so sad when my grandparents moved up there in 1983 but, it is so understandable that they would want to live in such a beautiful place. I sure have missed being able to go up there as much. My dad likes to ask everyone the name of one of the mountains and he says it is called "goat mountain".  My grandfather still resides at Bass Lake and I envy him.  What a beautiful place on earth!! Once you go, you will always want to return. It used to be a little more quiet of a lake in the summer but ever since they filmed the movie "The Great Outdoors" there, it all grew.  I remember when Oakhurst just had the one small grocery store in it. I will always love Bass Lake!!! Melissa (Todd) Bendix, Anaheim, Ca 11-16-2006

---

 I just read my sister's (Marilyn Rassi) comments on Bass Lake and have to add my own.  She is 8 years older than I am and lives in CA..I live in Fountain Hills, AZ.  She remembers my folks drinking stingers and I remember our mom needing to drink grasshoppers to-go from the Falls.  Guess it doesn't really matter except that we remember Bass Lake as being the best place in the world to go for vacations.  She remembers the dances, but  I was too little to get in.  I do remember the great times we had at the Forks campsites and our little rock boundaries that our dad made us lay around our campsite before we could go into the lake on the first day we arrived.  We usually went the last two weeks of summer (in August)  I remember one time when my brother fell through one of the slats on a dock near the Forks and ended up getting a really bad infection in his leg and almost lost it.  My folks had to run him down the hill for stitches.  I also remember the time we rolled into the Forks restaurant and our dad nearly ran over Larry Matthis, who was our older sisters boyfriend.  Our car carrier slid over the front window and we laughed and laughed.  Dad must have been driving too fast! (or already had one too many stingers) I also remember fishing with my brother and catching tons of blue gill and then having to throw them back to my dismay! And I will never forget the time we met these boys who were there with tons of Alpha Bits cereal and unlabeled cans of food.  It seems that they all worked in a grocery store and the manager let them have them for their camping trip so they wouldn't have to buy food.  The store couldn't sell the stuff, but it was always a surprise when they opened the cans.  They never knew if they would have vegetables or soup or hash for breakfast.  They also turned out to be long time Bass Lake goers and friends of our family.  Joe Corsenita and his wife live up there to this day.  Pat Marley lives not too far from there!  These were, of course, boyfriends of my two sisters.  But I was in love with them too, even though I was only 8 years old at the time!!  I also remember the times I took my own family up to "our Bass" when my first son was only about 18 months and again when he and his brother were a little older to meet the rest of the family.  By then we were staying in cabins at the Forks and on the other side of the lake.  I even slid down the falls on one of those trips to show my brother and sisters that I wasn't "afraid" (even though I was scared to death).  I haven't been nearly as many times as my sis or probably even my brother.  But there is no doubt about it, Bass Lake is "our Bass" and always will be! Thank you for putting up this web site, I have really enjoyed reading all the comments and looking at the pics.  I am in agreement with the gentleman who says why tell the world, we need to keep this magnificent place for those who remember it from childhood on up, a secret!!!  I will be back!!!  Darlene (Rassi) Miller 11/07/06

---

---

My family and I just spent a GREAT week at Bass Lake, 8-12-06 through 8-19-06.  What a wonderful treasure the state of California has there.  We are from Mansfield, Ohio and vacationed there with our California friends of 30+ years.  They have raved about Bass Lake for years and we finally made it on vacation with them.  We WILL be back.  Please take care of it because it is truly special.  Your Ohio friends.

---

Hi, I Just visited my friend Daron who just happens to live a stones throw from the lake, decided to drive up for my b-day from Cypress CA to see my long time bud. Had a great time, this was actually the second time we had been to Bass Lake, the first time we went to Yosemite & hiked up Mist Trail to Vernal falls & I have to say it is the most beautiful scenery I have seen, we also took a ride on the steam train they have up there that was pretty cool. I'm tellin ya if you like God's creation as much as I do Go To Bass Lake & Stay a While & make sure to hike up Mist Trail in Yosemite, it's definitely worth it. By the way Daron you still owe me a hike up to Half Dome! I'm Still waiting!!! Any way thanks for stopping by & reading about someone else's fun time @ the Lake.    Larry Holloway - last left Bass Lake 08/13/2006 - date to return ASAP!

---

---

On July 1^st through July 8^th I went camping with my father at Bass Lake, with a group of “Happy Campers”. We met these “Happy Campers” last year at Bass Lake, they “adopted us” and invited us to go camping with them again. During those eight days I saw fireworks, went on a boat parade, built sandcastles, went fishing, and rode a jet ski, well drove is more like it. That is why I am here, to brag about my camping trip and to tell you how to ride a jet ski. On July 5^th while I was camping I met two people, Roy and Terry. They brought two jet skis with them on their camping trip to Bass Lake. I talked to Terry for a while and she asked me, “Do you want to launch the jet skis with Roy and myself?”  I bet I know what you’re thinking what this has to do about jet skiing, well it taught me first you need a life vest, second if you are a kid you need a chaperone, third after you or your chaperone starts the engine, wait a minute and you give it gas, fourth go five miles per hour until you are out beyond the red buoys, finally be careful and have fun. Also see if you can beat my record sixty miles per hour, which is really good. Oh I almost forgot, I have to tell you how to ride, first get on it, second start the engine, give it gas by twisting the throttle on the handlebar, then steer to turn the jet ski. Now you know the basics of jet skiing. Word of advice if you get in trouble remember your chaperone is there to help you, also it is a great idea to untie the jet ski from the anchor. So go and have fun.  Oh, and put sunscreen on just in case.  Bass Lake is the greatest!  Mark Laur, age 12, Winnetka, CA 7-13-06

---

My name's Heather. I'm 21 years old and my boyfriend and I just spent the week with his extended family in Bass Lake.  We drove from Long Beach and had THE BEST TIME!!  The weather was beautiful! The staff at the camp was great!! The service was easy peasy and pleasant and the lake is absolutely stunning. Being from the city, going to the lake was the PERFECT way to spend time with loved ones in the sunshine. Lots of bonding time and fun in the sun! We hiked the waterfalls and banged ourselves up on all the water toys available to us and I love sharing with people why i have the bruises up and down my legs (mostly from my boyfriend tossing me off the jet ski).  Had SUCH a great time!  and if you're not thing "tent-camping" kind of family, they have cabins you can stay in too, which my boyfriends parents did. (aaaaaw...showers hehe).  I want to make this Bass Lake experience part of my summer tradition.  With my friends next year and with the family I will one day have of my own!!! 7-11-06

---