Connie is our go-to person at Ducey's on the Lake. She is awesome and provides great service every time we go up there. We are going up again Memorial day 2026 to stay in one of the suites overlooking the lake. We love this place. -Randy & Carol read more

Great place to go if you like noisy, trashy hicks who scatter their trash everywhere and try to outdo each other on the obnoxiousness level. Stayed here once and can't see any reason to ever, ever, come back. read more

Super crowded -- usually no parking in the lot. Many day trippers who are excessively loud and scare off all the birds and other fauna with conversation, portable music and loud voices. The place is full of garbage and crap left by people who don't want to carry back their inflatables and dump them for other people to "use" (or haul out). People SMOKING on the trail (totally forbidden in the parks). Since this place has gotten so much publicity - I've just gotten tired of hauling out people's garbage, beer cans and wine bottles. Give Bass Lake a break - it's overrun. read more

Quite possibly my favorite place on the planet. You have a beautiful drive through Marin, a pristine lake and a waterfall that drops off into the ocean. Simply breathtaking. This is how you get there: http://www.bahiker.com... From the trailhead it's a good 35 minute hike to the lake and then another 30 to get to Alamere falls. The water is a bit chilly but not freezing. I love swimming in this lake. I feel...free. I am also in love with the rope swing. I have been on it about 4 times now and it always brings me back to a fictitious childhood by the lake I never had. It's a great place to go have a swim and picnic. From downtown SF it's about an hour's drive but worth every second. You'll occasionally see a nudist or two. As with most nudists it's not anyone you'd ever want to see naked, but c'est la vie, right? You owe it to yourself to visit Bass Lake. read more

See all

Pros: Beautiful lake close to home. Weather was nice and water was perfect. June and there's tons of wild flowers and butterflies. Catch and release: a catfish and some bluegills Cons: Tons of poison oaks Limited parking (we parked on side of main road) Glass on beach and a ton of them. Human feces or dog floated to our beach area. It was disgusting as kids are playing with the dirt. So disappointing as Bass lake is beautiful. Some areas can be hard to reach. Bring a Wagon. Keep driving up towards camp area. Weekend maybe busier than usual and especially during summer. read more

Ticks! Lots of Ticks! Lots of Biting Ticks! I was on antibiotics half a dozen times this year from tick/infected bug bites from swimming at this lake. That should tell you how much I love swimming at Bass Lake. Yeah, it's crazy, but it's so worth it to swim here. read more

Top 10 reasons for making the trek out to West Marin's Bass Lake: 10. It's been too long since you've been out to the Point Reyes Seashore. 9. It's stinkin' hot inland and you know the parking lot at Stinson will be packed. 8. You've been wanting an adventure (the drive out there qualifies). 7. The 14,000+ steps you'll log on your pedometer on the 2.6 mile hike to and from the lake. 6. That feeling of vertiigo you get as you look down into the ocean from the cliff-hanging parts of the trail. 5. That beautiful ocean view as you hike. 4. That beautiful, clean, sunny lake... 3. ...that you're allowed to swim in. 2. A rope swing to get your dardevil on. and the number one reason to visit Bass Lake 1. What are you waiting for? Do you still really need another reason to go? Go. Go. Go now. read more

Little heaven protected from the masses via a one hour trail walk. The water is warm and the lake is beautiful. It might be on of the last water landscape of the region that has not been took by the drought. It is a shame that the trail is forbidden to dogs... read more

See all

This is an awesome spot to hike to. It's only a few miles from the trialhead, far enough that you feel like you've worked for it, short enough that I have seen people dragging a cooler full of 'beverages' with them. The lake is beautiful and there are a few clearings (not on the shore) to lay out some blankets and have a picnic. If you make your way through some brush there's an awesome rope swing and you can watch the occasional person with bad form do an awesome belly flop. As other reviews have noted, beware for clothing optional bathers, however on the more popular days that's not really a problem. read more

Bass Lake - Impending Belly Flop - Lakes Near Me - Bolinas, California

See all

Absolutely lovely. The first time I went was when I first started dating my boyfriend. We had read about Alamere Falls in Pt. Reyes and decided to go for a hike. It was a beautiful day, warm and perfect. By the time we reached the lake we were ready to jump in. The rope swing was so much fun!!! We went back on Saturday and the rope swing seemed a bit more difficult- still didn't stop me. Check out the photos! http://www.flickr.com/photos/73056494@N00/ read more

See all

I think we hiked about nine miles up and down these awesome trails with views of lush greens and the lake. On the way, we encountered deer, slugs and other insects, a lizard or whatever that smaller one is called, birds galore, rope swings, and friendly company. I snapped a few pictures you can check out, but you should go in person to do the place justice. read more

See all

A Marin lake you are allowed to swim in! Gorgeous hike from the Palomarin trailhead in Bolinas - sweeping ocean views (with amazing sunsets), beautiful green valleys, just enough tree coverage to keep you from getting TOO hot. Bring a towel & lunch, and don't miss the rope swing on the far side of the lake from the main Coast Trail! Swimsuits optional. There's no beach area to sun yourself lakeside - it's all tree-lined, with roots and dirt - so a towel is key. Technically, no dogs allowed on the trail (but that doesn't stop people from bringing them along). read more

Once you get to the little clearing by Bass Lake (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/TcoYSVdyCpRyEB2Dtl_jAA?select=Sqx7grESx5vR9Xq2URhcjA) -- and you'll know because of the helpfully huge and obvious sign (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/TcoYSVdyCpRyEB2Dtl_jAA?select=iw0QO53inBTN1qfMvU1Nrg), if you're like me, you'll feel awfully dumb for wearing and carrying serious hiking gear when everyone else is wearing swimsuits and sundresses and unpacking beer and wine and cupcakes. So, you have been warned, Yelpers, and you're welcome. Rope Swing Info (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/TcoYSVdyCpRyEB2Dtl_jAA?select=ZjELJ7rCLT9kGssZFLpoDg): A note about the famous rope swing--the ranger comes every few days to cut down the rope swing and ruin everyone's fun, because apparently someone drowned a couple years ago (from getting knocked unconscious when he hit the water head-first) and people keep breaking feet and limbs (from slipping on the extremely steep and muddy take-off hill and/or knocking into the tree on their way out). So, take this warning seriously: you might not get to swing (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/TcoYSVdyCpRyEB2Dtl_jAA?select=kKu4l7udr9eQJDgzkJEv8w). If you're lucky, though, you might get to meet Frank, the Bass Lake institution with decades of rope-swinging experience under his belt/swim trunks, who keeps rehanging more ropes. This is the same guy who has, he describes, climbed to the almost-top of the tree, and dived "through the branches" to the water. Awesome. Hike Info: The hourish-long hike out is easy peazy and GORGEOUS. I mean unbelievably stunning. Most of it is in the sun, between flower- and foliage-covered hills and steep cliff-sides overlooking the water (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/TcoYSVdyCpRyEB2Dtl_jAA?select=AOqilymiJK4XHLWlcGqjvg), so wear sunscreen and bring a camera (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/TcoYSVdyCpRyEB2Dtl_jAA?select=bnzfDvY8YFwA-pL5sYmyKQ). It is about an hour-long hike, but I'll warn you that if you stop to admire the view every time you're sure it's the most beautiful one you've seen so far, it'll take you a good 30 minutes extra. Definitely wear a swimsuit (there's not a good place to change) and sunscreen and bring a towel and some munchies. You might want to wear light long pants as some of the path is a little overgrown and scratchy. FYI, dogs are not allowed but lots of people bring them. However, if the ranger sees you on the trail or passes through Bass Lake, she will make you hike ALL the way back to the parking lot with your dog and watch until you've driven away. So, it's risky. read more

See all

This place is extremely overrated, decent for just a hike but if you were planning on going to the water good luck because there's nowhere to hang out by the water and enjoy a nice day with your friends. read more

This used to be a fave swimming hole. Trail from Palomarin has excellent views. As noted by others, lots, of poison oak along the way, and check for ticks. Sadly, the trail is crowded on weekends-just too popular with hikers, many of whom, have questionable trails manners. Biggest problem is parking-followed by trash. Sadly rope swing is down with no clear spot for a replacement. Excellent midweek-but trail is too crowded on weekends, for my taste. read more

Amazing.. I can't wait to go back when its warmer to lay out and maybe swim. There is a cute spot at the back of the lake where people carve their names on trees.. my boyfriend and I had to do it of course. read more

Bass Lake - Lakes Near Me - Bolinas, California

I went here just on the reviews from other yelpers. It sounded so wonderful and it completely lived up the the high expectations I had. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful experience to get to swim in a nice clean lake. There were a lot of people ( I think it was on a Sat) but didn't feel overly crowded. The one thing I had read was that technically dogs weren't allowed but some people brought their dogs anyway. We decided against bringing our pooch since it was our first time there and I'm SO glad we did. There were rangers on the trail giving out tickets to the people with dogs. So I highly recommend not bringing your pooch. Otherwise it is truly one of the best ways to spend a day. Enjoy!! read more

Did you know there are two Bass Lakes? One up by Yosemite and "the other bass lake" right here in Marin county. Good luck finding it. We ended up on a scenic drive past Pt. Reyes, in a town called Olema. I was co-pilot looking for the turn on Olema-Bolinas and it never came......finally looked at the map a day late, dollar short. So we flipped a b*tch and found our way around a lagoon, down a dirt road, and low and behold the dirt parking lot. We made it!!!! So, I'm here to say..... that hike was more than I'd signed up for in my patent leather birkenstock sandals (not a joke). Enjoyed the majestic minutes of the hike up on the cliff overlooking the ocean. I starting cursing my choice of footwear at mile 2 looking up at yet, another steep hill. Instead of complaining I took one for the team that day. Nobody likes a whiner last time I checked. Got high on life trying to blow up my raft..(note to self: get a battery operated pump). Enjoyed a picnic in the open area which was a nice reward after that hike. 30 minutes later, without a breath of air left we took the rafts out on the lake with a few beers. Made it work. Loved every (cold) minute of it. A floatation device is key, actually the only way to go. Enjoyed watching the college crazies flip off the rope swing. Decided it would take a fair amount of liquid coverage (tequila) to get me on that swing. Just sayin..... All in all it was a successful trip, blisters and all...... read more

Nice hike but very crowded. This was one of the more crowded trails I've been on lately, I suppose because everyone goes to swim in Bass Lake. I can't speak for the swimming - it was a gray foggy day when I did the hike and I wasn't in the least tempted by a dip. The trail is quite nice, a bit greener and more lush than many other Bay Area coastal areas. My favorite part of the trail, however, was actually near the beginning where you are walking along the bluff with beautiful views of the ocean. We did a 9-mile out and back hike, but you could potentially keep going for quite a ways longer. I believe there are even some backpacking sites out there. I would probably choose not to backpack here as the crowds make it less of an isolated nature experience, but we did see some backpackers on the trail. On a final note, we discovered a nest of baby snakes beside the trail - I almost stepped on them when posing for a photo. Don't worry, they weren't of the poisonous variety. Oh, and skip a trip into the town of Bolinas afterwards - that place is....strange. read more

A friend and I went on the journey to bass lake after a heat wave in San Francisco drew me to my computer searching for "swimming holes in the bay area. Low and behold bass lake pops up. Obviously the 2.5 mile hike there drew me in. It must be that much more awesome if it isn't a "park and dive". Oh how pleased I was to not be disappointed with what we got. This place is unreal. The hike is super mellow, although there were a couple patched of stinging nettle that we found ourselves in so watch out. Floaters are a good choice, although when we got there there was probably about 4 rafts that people left as well. The rope swing made my "scardy cat" self feel very brave and very much worth it! Bring a picnic, beer, and whatever else you may need for a day of floating. Bass lake is da biznaz read more

Bass Lake - Ahhhh mazing - Lakes Near Me - Bolinas, California

Bass Lake is awesome! It takes about an hour to hike into the lake, but your rewarded with a beuatiful lake to swin in and a really cool rope swing. Remember to bring water and a raft. And the water is a lil on the cold side but you get used to it after a few minutes. read more

My friend randomly wanted to go here Sunday and I had no idea what to expect. It was a little car trip from SF. The hike to the lake is pretty mellow, with some moderate uphill, definitely fine for kids or whomever. My friend did the whole thing in flip flops. The lake has no beach but the water is not too cold. We borrowed some floaties from some friendly ladies. It was so relaxing and fun. I haven't been to a lake this good near SF ever and I grew up here. Definitely no one over 35 was here. I thought that was interesting. read more

Oh. My. Gosh. When I first saw this page, my heart flooded with joy, happiness, nostalgia... you get the point. I truly love Bass Lake for it contains so many happy childhood memories. To name a few... my dad and I fishing on our old, antiquated boat, telling stupid jokes and being able to see the fish underneath with our advanced "fish finder." Getting hauled behind the boat on the yellow inflatable contraption only known to us as the "ski bob." "Roughing it" in our camper and tents at night after a hearty meal cooked by my mom, sitting around the campfire telling ghost stories, and then maybe playing cards or yahtzee... It still contains for me the magic of those great days and nights, and just seeing this page makes me want to relive my youth and re-learn to ride my bike on that same gravel parking lot when I was 7! Love you Bass Lake, I'll be back soon! read more

What happens when 10 city slickin' kids think they know the way to Bass Lake? You get lost, you get dehydrated, you start doubting the 'locals' advice and you hallucinate seeing white horses (I still swear to God I saw it!). With that said, once we FINALLY arrived at Bass Lake, it was absolutely perfect! A hike-in lake of perfectly clean (and pretty cold) water! Once you hit your first fork in the road, stay left. No matter what the 9 punks in front of you do or say! read more

I had fun hiking to you I had fun lying in the sun next to you I had fun playing and swinging on your rope swing I had fun swimming in you I like your cool waters after a long hike read more

Ok, rejuvinating, awesome, stunning, orgasmic. WHOA! Love it! I would do it again and often. read more

Not What It Used To Be, but Then Again, What Is?... I grew up in West Marin, so going to Bass Lake as a kid and through my teens, even into my 20s was an entirely different experience (I'm 50 now). The trail used to be narrow then, with lots of poison oak, though you hardly ever ran into other people. There was also a lot less shade along the way but the trees have grown so much since then. It's about 2.5-ish miles each way, so be prepared for at LEAST a 5 mile hike round trip. It is not flat and smooth, it's up and down, up and down, but mostly up on the way to the lake, and it's mostly down on the way back. If you are out of shape, and older, it will be a challenge even though it is considered a ''moderate hike''. There were MANY, MANY cars when we arrived, parked at least 1/4 mile from the parking lot along the side of the dirt road. We went on a Saturday. I would HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend you go on a WEEKDAY, not on a weekend. The one and only drawback I encountered during the whole hike out, swim time and hike back, was the number of people (and their unconscious habits). At least as of yesterday (8 July 2017), the trail is very clear now, so you don't encounter poison oak as long as you stay on the main trail. Oh and a big FYI the old ROPE SWING IS GONE, no telling if/when one might come back. We also did not have any tick problems, though again we did not veer off the main trail, EVER. We saw very little trash on the trail the whole way, so I'm guessing it had been cleaned up by someone/people recently (at least based on other posts I've read here). Once it's time to take the unmarked left off the main Palomarin Trail down towards the lake, the path is much much narrower, and there is definitely more brush on both sides of you. If there was any point where we might have encountered ticks and/or poison oak, it would be this point. But again, I did not see any poison oak that immediately encroached upon the narrow trail down to the lake (off of Palomarin Trailhead) at this point, nor did we walk away with any ticks stuck to us. Once we got to the lake, I for sure was THE ONLY 50-something there, and my wife for sure was the only 40-something there. EVERYONE was from their teens to at the most early 30s, tops. So just fyi this is the crowd that currently goes there and from what I've read from other posts here, they tend to confirm the same thing. You get some knuckleheads along the way (they tend to be obviously be from urban areas) carrying portable speakers playing music from their iPods, tending to mostly be rap, hip hop etc (yes I am being judgmental, cuz your music f'in sucks low hanging goat balls). This is no place to bring your music, so either stay home or leave it home (yes you, you know whom I speak to). And don't bring your dog. Some a-hole dog owners decide to bring their dog on this hike even though they are prohibited on this trail. On a hike this long, most of them don't bring plastic bags to pick up their dogs' shit. Horses are allowed which is kind of a bummer because sometimes people bring them down to the lake and they take huge dumps on what is a very narrow trail, even though they just eat grass, stepping in horse shit in your sandals and having it get onto your feet, in your toes etc is gross and a bummer. This is another reason why I recommend during the week, because there will be fewer clueless knuckleheads that don't know how to behave in nature tainting your experience. I've also read about break-ins with people's cars there, I'm betting there would be less likelihood of this during the week as well. The bathrooms at the parking lot work, but they can be ABSOLUTELY F'ING HEINOUS on a weekend, like seriously foul, so be prepared if you need to use one. As for your hike, bring water, bring a towel, bring Teva-style sandals so you can walk into the lake with them on and not have to take them off while you swim, so that you can just as easily get out when you're done swimming. BRING A CAMERA. Bring at least one floaty, even if it's just a simple inflatable lifesaver type ring or tube. You may want to bring one extra shirt and pair of dry shorts to change into for your hike back, as hiking for a significant distance in wet trunks can uncomfortably chafe your thighs by the time you get back to your car. Bring sunblock, glasses, hat etc. Bring some food. And don't leave ANYTHING behind that you brought in with you -- don't be a clueless knucklehead. read more

This place is beautiful. I was surprised how crowded it was, thinking the 2.7 mile hike would keep folks away. It's a bit tricky to find Bolinas, since the locals often take down road signs to deter tourists from invading their quaint town. The hike was much longer than I anticipated, but it was on a well traveled dirt/rock road which made for easy traveling. And the view is spectacular - the coast is in sight for most of the hike. The lake itself is a great spot for warm afternoons, though I would suggest a week-day trip if possible to avoid crowds. The water is pretty warm, and there is a great rope swing. There isn't really a "beach" area to hang out, but plenty of space a short distance from the water to lay out a blanket and have a picnic. read more

Bass Lake - Bass Lake - Lakes Near Me - Bolinas, California

See all

Great water, 1 hour hike from parking, many mosqiitoes, bring repellent, long sleeves or jump in the water as soon as as possible to avoid them. Hard to hang out around the water without getting bitten. No picnic tables. Bring a mat to sit. read more

ONE STAR? WHAT, WHO IS THIS GUY?!?! HE DOESN'T LOVE BEAUTIFUL FRIENDLY LAKES WITH ROPES SWINGS??? with that out of the way, I'll explain. Bass lake was a regular haunt of mine when I was growing up, for obvious reasons. It had been quite a while since I'd been there until this past weekend. From the outset it didn't seem right. Cars lined nearly the entire unpaved portion of the road (~1 mile). This was something like 15-20 times the amount of cars I'd ever seen there before. I chalked it as a result of it being a beautiful day, even though I've been there on many a beautiful day. Once we started the hike and arrived at the lake, I realized what had happened. The hipsters have infiltrated the Marin outdoors. I mean it. It made me shudder. There were people actually hiking in tight jeans, what i can only assume were American apparel v-necks, and ridiculous sunglasses. What did they bring with them on their "hike"? Why twelve packs of Pabst of course! This wasn't just one group. The amount of said hipster kids hanging around the lake was far greater than any crowd I'd ever seen there before. What did they do with the empty cans? They threw them in the trash (not the recycling, which is NEXT to the trash) or left them strewn around the parking lot with their other trash for "someone else" to clean. It's no wonder the people of Bolinas have such a notorious reputation for disliking outsiders. It's not that I didn't like Bass lake, it's just that with the boom of sites like this, Bass lake is getting unprecedented coverage that is attracting the likes of the bay area hipsters who are threatening to squash the spirit of the place. So, If you've read this far, DON'T GO TO BASS LAKE! THE WATER IS POISONOUS AND FULL OF LEECHES! THERE'S LANDMINES AND RATTLESNAKES! read more

Bass Lake is something you must do at least once a year. Park your car about 1.5 miles south in a lot at the Palomarin Trailhead. It's a slightly uphill hike to the lake. Pick a nice warm day so you're hot by the time the lake comes into view. Walk down to the clearing, take off all your clothes, yes all of them. Walk over to the rope swing, grab on, and fling yourself into the air. The first splash is going to be the most shocking b/c of the water temperature. It gets addictive after that. If you've got big ones, you might want to hold them when you hit the water! Where else in the area can you swing wildly and nakedly through the air into crystal blue water? Nowhere. :) CREDIT GOES TO SF BAY GUARDIAN FOR THE FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS... How to find it: Take Highway 1 north from Stinson Beach. Just north of Bolinas Lagoon, turn left on the often-unmarked exit to Bolinas. Follow the road as it curves along the lagoon and eventually ends at Olema-Bolinas Road, and continue along Olema-Bolinas Road to the stop sign at Mesa Road. Turn right on Mesa and drive four miles, until it becomes a dirt road and ends at a parking lot. On hot days the lot fills quickly, so come early; says Smith, "We saw hundreds of cars." A sign at the trailhead next to the lot will guide you down scenic Palomarin Trail, which begins as an old fire road and then narrows. From the grassy meadow mentioned above, it's just a few easy yards to the water's edge via any of three paths. One veers to the right; another, more eroded and plant clogged, starts to the left of the meadow. In 2005 visitors were delighted to find a fresh, easy-access path down carved out between the other trails. Crews clip back poison oak and other foliage next to the trails each spring. read more

Not to be a major buzz-kill, but Bass Lake is hardly as awesome as all of these 5 star reviews lead you to believe. If you have never been any where cool, live in a concrete jungle or perhaps under a rock, you will absolutely enjoy a trip to Bass Lake. The hike its self is nice enough, it follows the coast line much of the way and then takes you on a little jaunt through the woods, along a delightful poison oak lined path. Its pretty crowded, so careful not to fall in as groups of 20 somethings with loud music try to push by you on the trail, not once but constantly. Once there, you will probably be looking for the "meadow" that some of the other Yelpers have mentioned... If you're like me you will be confused when all you see is a nasty squashed down patch of grass and dry, dry dirt speckled with trash glass and SURPRISE- a zillion more people. We sadly made our way down to the water in a few different places, which were steep wet, slippery and jam-packed. Like, in kind of a gross way- all crammed into a tiny hillside leading into the lake. Whats going on here? This does not look enjoyable in any way. The surface of water was slick with sunscreen. No thanks. People and dogs wobbling all over trying to get in and out of the water, because there isn't any sort of beach. Not the lakes fault, just not practical for how many visitors there are. My friend and I left confused and let down. Why is everyone here? Why are WE here?! Is everyone here crazy?! This could be a gem, but its not. Definitely leave the kids at home, they all looked miserable. Maybe its better on a weekday. The hike there is ok, but save your self the trouble go somewhere that doesn't have an over crowded public pool vibe. read more

Over crowded dusty trail. Not worth it. Poison oak and tick lined the whole way to lake, even being extra cautious I ended up with it all over! It was so crowded on trail that everyone was always having to step aside and into grass and poison oak to get past or let other hikers by! Be aware of the tiny ticks that are everywhere along trail too, found a few when we got back to our car and they tested positive for lymes! The whole trail had trash all over and dirty toilet paper blowing around. I filled up my backpack with trash on our hike back out it was so bad. Parking lot was full at 8am and had to park far away. Walk to trail head was dangerous we almost got hit a few times along the dusty pothole road. Also saw that a few parked cars had been broken in to and damaged! Lake was impossible to safety access, with so many people all over. Parts I could see seemed very dirty and had oily sunscreen all over top. Plants were getting trampled and killed so people could get a view of lake. Mostly the overcrowded trail with people littering everywhere was the worst! read more

Not even naked hippie wang could knock a star off of this place. We brought a big group out, hiked, rope swanged, swam, slept, and hiked back. Great day. The rope swing was occupied for the day by a bunch of naked dudes, which, well, ok. Do your thing. Wiener is always jarring when you're not expecting wiener, though. This is something you learn in college. At one point, one of the naked men was clearly annoyed that we were laughing about them being naked, but dude, you're the one that dropped your pants. I'm gonna make song jokes about the dangle. Thems the rules. read more

I used to go here to get away but now it's overrun with really stupid people and trash. I tried to ignore the crowd and enjoy the nature, got into the lake and lo and behold a maxi-pad came floating right past my face. On our way out, some kids came flying past us in their car, not even caring that they ran us off the road in to a ditch. The entire side of our car was lying on poison oak and we had to find a car wash in Marin before driving home. read more

Worse experience ever our car was broken into along with a number of others. No dogs allowed. The trail was covered in trash and poison oak. Not worth the drive or time. read more

7 years ago i moved from Boston to SF. I soon realized that SF is better than Boston in almost every way except for two things: 1. seasons - i miss the crispness of fall and the warm summer nights 2. nearby lakes for swimming in the summer Bass lake goes a long way towards addressing shortfall #2 Bass lake is a rare Bay Area lake that is legally swimmable. its a georgeous lake about an hour's flat hike from the palomarin trailhead on the southwestern edge of the Point Reyes National Seashore. the hike is fantastic, going on a high ridge along the coast before tucking inland to pass Bass lake. the lake is cool and refreshing - bring an inflatable pool toy to lounge on if you have one. the lake doesnt have much lakeside reclining options, so everyone lounges in a grassy parking lot like area just above the lake - its pretty chill and communal. for the more adventurous there is a fantastic rope swing which, when not taken down by rangers, you can use to launch yourself about 20 feet above the surface of the lake. inexperienced rope swingers have injured themselves on the rope swing (hence rangers taking it down) so make sure you use both hands to support your weight, start with small swings first, dont get tangled in the rope, avoid hitting the tree and remember to let go of the rope such that you land in the lake, not on the ground. have fun! read more

Shh...don't tell anyone. This is the hipster Lake Tahoe. With a beautiful setting just far enough away from Zeitgeist and public transit this place would be perfect if it was not yet discovered. read more

2011-03-31, Thurs: hiked here via Wildcat Camp and Alamere Falls. This place is a scene. After hiking about 5 miles I did not expect to come upon a social scene. As we made our way through the trees on the tight side trail and into the meadow above the lake we walked right into the middle of a nudist party going on. There were about five groups of 6 to 8 people each and some couples and singles strewn about the tall green grasses soaking up the sun in all their glory. Unfortunately dudes outnumbered chicks. The vibe was that for most of these people this is a weekly visit and ritual for them in good weather. Cali-Green filled the air ;-). The lake itself was not that clean looking to me. Nice to have visited and to check off of my list. read more

supa dupa cool spot... my only gripe - hippies!! actually not the real issue - but there is something strange about writing a web review of a natural in-land lake. think about it... strange....no? read more