Bass Lake via Coast Trail

This out-and-back from Palomarin Trailhead to Bass Lake covers about 5.7 miles round trip through bluff-top coast, an inland valley and a small lake in the Phillip Burton Wilderness. Allow two to three hours of walking, plus time at the water. It suits you if you want the coast to change character as you go: the surf-side opening gives way to a wooded, inland crossing, and the lake provides a clear place to turn around.

The mapped Coast Trail corridor is about 2.84 miles one way. Published totals range from 5.2 to 6 miles because the lake approach has been measured differently; this entry uses the connected trail to the Bass Lake junction and doubles that corridor for the return. It leaves out the unmaintained lakeside spur, which adds distance and rougher footing.

The first mile is fairly level and wide, with ocean views from bluffs above the surf. The packed dirt tread still has exposed roots and rocks, so it is not a smooth path. This is the route's big view stretch. For a photo, keep part of the bluff edge in the frame with some surf below it; a water-only shot loses the sense of height.

After the coast, the trail turns inland and drops to a valley floor, then climbs back out on switchbacks over a pass. Short moderate-to-steep grades come mostly after the first mile, and some later sections are narrower and rutted. This is where the hike earns its moderate rating: the effort comes in a few uneven rises rather than one long climb. A few small ponds and the Lake Ranch Trail junction mark the approach to Bass Lake.

The route reaches Bass Lake at roughly 2.8 miles. Turn around at the Coast Trail junction for the mapped distance above. A separate, unmaintained spur runs along the lake's northwest side; its access is challenging and poison oak is common, so do not count on an easy walk down to the water's edge. The lake is a popular but unofficial swimming spot with no lifeguard; swim at your own risk, and keep glass at least 50 feet from shore. The surrounding trees frame a wide lake view, but you can enjoy the destination without adding the rough spur.

Begin at the gravel parking lot at Palomarin Trailhead. It has a vault or composting toilet, but no faucet, and there is no water or food service on the route. The final 1.2 miles of Mesa Road are unpaved and often potholed and washboarded. The lot fills very early on weekends and many summer weekdays; late arrivals may be turned away, so an early or midweek start makes the day easier.

Pets are prohibited on the Coast Trail and at Bass Lake. There are no toilets at the lake. Bring water from elsewhere, and treat the Coast Trail as the dependable route to the lake rather than assuming the unmaintained spur is an easy lakeside path.