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Enjoy Bass Lake for your Thanksgiving Getaway!
Blog Why Bass Lake is a Great Thanksgiving Getaway

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 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’s a few options to get outside and burn off that scrumptious holiday meal.

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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Like what you see? Save any of these pins (or possibly all of them) to your travel planning board(s) to give you an easy way to find your way back here!  Also check out our other blog posts as well as itineraries for more ideas and pins!

Alex Silgalis

Alex founded localfreshies.com® in 2014 to be the #1 website providing the “local scoop” on where to eat, drink & play in mountain towns throughout North America. When he’s not writing and executing marketing strategies for small businesses & agencies, he’s in search of the deepest snow in the winter and tackiest dirt in the summer.

Our annual Visit Yosemite | Madera County Visitors Guide can answer all your questions about visiting California's Gateway to Yosemite. From the park itself to the museums, wineries, art galleries and more throughout Madera County, our guide can help you plan the perfect vacation. Please note that we mail to the USA only, but anyone can download the guide.
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