This photo depicts Bass Lake in August 2026. Photo by Larry Townsend
Happy birthday, Bass Lake!
Beautiful Bass Lake is 125 years old and the Summer of Celebration continues Saturday, Aug. 15 on land and on water.
At an elevation of about 3,400 feet, Bass Lake is known for its clear water, blue skies, sandy beaches and nearly unlimited opportunities recreation. Temperatures in the warm-water lake can approach 80 degrees in summertime.
Some 125 year ago, the area now known as Bass Lake was a wide meadow bordered by tree-covered hills and mountains.
Originally home to Chukchansi and Mono people, the forested area was called Crane Valley by members of the Mariposa Battalion who passed through in 1851. They thought the great blue heron here were cranes.
Later on, plans were made to harness the waters of Willow Creek in this valley, a tributary of the San Joaquin River, to produce hydroelectric power.
The San Joaquin Electric Company was established and the first earthen dam in Crane Valley was completed in 1901 — 125 years ago.
Supplies and equipment were hauled up the mountain by mule teams while timber cleared from the future reservoir was transported back down. The dam not only created electricity, it transformed the area into a scenic retreat.
The dam was expanded in 1905 and the current dam — standing 145 feet tall — was completed in 1910. PG&E acquired the rights and infrastructure surrounding Bass Lake in 1930.
The company in 2013 completed a major seismic retrofit at a cost of $63 million.
According to the local Chamber of Commerce, Bass Lake got its name through happenstance. Originally known as the Crane Valley Reservoir, the lake was renamed Bass Lake after a lumber operation polluted the water, affecting the fish population.
As part of the cleanup, they were required to restock the lake and reportedly chose bass as the replacement species — leading to its new name.
PG&E still owns the lake today and its waters continue to support hydroelectric power generation, Central Valley irrigation and a wide range of recreational activities.
You just never know what you might find if you are boating on Bass Lake.
Visit the website for the Bass Lake Chamber of Commerce at www.basslakechamber.com
Celebrating 125
Birthday festivities on both sides of the lake are planned to include treats, promotions, games and specials. On the north shore The Pines Resort, Out West boutique, Pines Village Bakery-Pizzeria, Good O’ Daze, Bass Lake Water Sports and Marina Grill are all participating in the fun.
• The Pines Resort (54432 Road 432) www.basslake.com
• Out West (54342 Road 432) outwest-usa.com/pages/about-us
• Pines Village Bakery Pizzeria (54362 Road 432) www.facebook.com/pinesbakery/
• Bass Lake Water Sports and Marina Grill (54406 Road 432) www.basslakeboatrentals.com
• Good Ol’ Daze (54310 Road 432) www.yosemitethisyear.com/account/good-ol-daze-
South shore celebrations are set to include Miller’s Landing Resort and The Forks Resort.
• Miller’s Landing Resort (37976 Road 222) www.millerslanding.com/
• The Forks Resort (39150 Road 222) www.forksresort.com
Collector’s items will be available for a limited time at these participating locations, featuring a recycled aluminum reusable cup and stickers with the special Bass Lake 250 decal.
The new logo, made especially for this summer, features BLake, the Bald Eagle, one of 10 in Visit Yosemite Madera County’s Welcoming Committee trading cards. Each carries a special message to encourage visitors to recreate responsibly.
The group in total takes visitors along the “Fossils to Falls Road Trip” in Madera County.
BLake brings attention to the resident bald eagles at Bass Lake and reminds visitors to the region to “respect it, protect it and enjoy it.”
And this summer, especially, celebrate it. Visit Yosemite Madera County www.yosemitethisyear.com
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