About
Length (round trip)6 mi
ShapeOut-and-Back
DifficultyHard
Typical time3 hr
TrailheadBass Lake within the Phillip Burton Wilderness, Point Reyes National Seashore
ParkingBass Lake is a small lake within the Phillip Burton Wilderness and is located about 3 mile (5 km) northwest of the Palomarin Trailhead . From Bear Valley/Olema, head south on Highway 1 toward Bolinas and then, from just north of Bolinas, follow Mesa Road to its end at the Palomarin Trailhead. The last 1.2 miles (1.9 km) of Mesa Road is unpaved and is often severely potholed and washboarded. Allow 35 minutes drive time fromBear Valleyto the Palomarin Trailhead. Please be aware that on weekends...
Best season<h2>Winter</h2> <p>The heaviest rainfall occurs in the winter months. Come prepared for rain and drizzle to possibly last for several days. In between winter rains, it is often sunny, calm, and coo...
DogsNot allowed
AccessibilityThe initial stretchof the Coast Trail from Palomarin Trailhead is fairly flat and wide, about 5 to 6 feet (1.5 to 1.8 m) across. The trail surface is packed dirt with exposed roots and rocks. As the trail progresses, it becomes narrower and rutted in places. Relatively short sections of moderate to steep grade exist, primarily after the first mile (1.6 km).
What you'll see 🌄 Big views🏞️ Lake

The Palomarin Trailhead Parking Lot will be closed from Monday, September 9, 2024, through Friday, September 13, 2024,for resurfacing. The parking lot and trailheadwill be fully closed with no overnight parking allowed to accommodate staging equipment and materials. Large trucks will be present on Mesa and Palomarin Roads, so visitors to Bass Lakeshould plan alternative parking arrangements. --> Distance: 6 miles (9.6 km) roundtrip, moderate Bass Lake is a great destination for a moderate day hike, or a beautiful pit stop on the way to Wildcat Beach . Begin at the Palomarin Trailhead and head northwest on the Coast Trail. Much of the first mile (1.6 km) of this hike offersspectacular ocean views from the tops ofbluffs high above the surf. The Coast Trail then heads inland and drops in elevation to a valley floor before switchbacking out the other side. After climbing over a pass, one hikes past the Lake Ranch Trail junction and past a number of small ponds before reaching Bass Lake after 2.8 miles (4.5 km) of hiking. At 2.9 miles (4.6 km), an unmaintainedspur trail leads to the southwest along the northwest side of Bass Lake. Bass Lake is a popular, but unofficial, swimming spot; accessing the lakeside can be challenging and poison oak is common. There are no lifeguards-swim at your own risk . This hike ismostlywithin the Phillip Burton Wilderness . There are no toilets at Bass Lake; be sure to use the vault toilets at the Palomarin Trailhead before starting your hike. Please practice Leave No Trace principles. This route description alone is not a substitute for a trail map. Print out the Point Reyes National Seashore's South District trail map (3,422 KB PDF) before your visit, or pick one up at a visitor center on your way. Always check current conditions before heading out into the park and familiarize yourself with park regulations . Visit the park's Hiking at Point Reyes National Seashore page for hiking tips and information about trail etiquette and safety. Visit the park's Trail Advisories and Closures page for current information about closed trails, trails blocked by trees, or other temporary hazards or advisories.

Tips
Point Reyes National Seashore is open daily for day-hiking from 6 am to midnight. Overnight parking and camping is only permitted with a valid backcountry camping permit. Pets are prohibited on the Coast Trail and at Bass Lake. Visit the park's Pets page to learn where pets are welcome at Point Reyes National Seashore. All ages.
Location

Bass Lake within the Phillip Burton Wilderness, Point Reyes National Seashore

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Trail data: USGS National Map / PAD-US, the National Park Service, state agencies, and © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Access and conditions change — check with the managing agency before you go.