People thoroughly enjoy the sight, sound, and feel of waterfalls. Water cascading down the rocks is picturesque. If you are lucky to catch it in the sunlight, you may even see the light refract into a rainbow. The sound of rushing water is powerful and distinct. It has a certain calming capability that cannot be imitated. Hiking to the waterfalls allows you to spend quality time in nature. It combines exercise, epic views, and a sense of accomplishment at the end. There are no two waterfalls alike. That is why a lot of people choose waterfalls as their hike destination or trip goal.
You have probably heard of all the famous waterfalls in Yosemite, but did you know that we also have pretty spectacular waterfalls here, at Bass Lake?
Willow Creek, Angel Falls and Devil Slide
Angel Falls and Devils Slide are a pair of waterfalls found along Willow Creek. Starting at its source high in the Sierra, Willow creek crashes through narrow granite canyons and wanders gently through pine forests. It descends nearly seven thousand feet along its 25-mile trip downstream to its confluence with the San Joaquin River. Willow Creek has been a coveted source of money and power for settlers and industrialist since the 1850s. It has been diverted and damned by the logging and hydroelectric industries.
Water Pools on the Willow Creek
A little over a hundred years ago, Bass Lake was just a lush meadow in the Sierra Nevada mountains, as Willow Creek meandered through the serene landscape. In 1901 Willow Creek was first dammed up to create the reservoir that is currently Bass Lake. Today Willow Creek is a popular hiking trail used for recreation and as a welcome respite from the hustle of city life.
The Hike & Falls
This 3.1 mile loop Willow Creek Trail is a great trail for many hikers. It starts as a relatively easy hike, with some moderate uphill climbs. The distance makes it a great way to spend a morning or afternoon, with plenty of time left in your day for other hikes or activities. The trail follows a creek upstream to two waterfalls, Angel’s Falls and Devil’s Slide, with spectacular views of the mountains below.
This hike has a rather large change in elevation and hiking surfaces can be challenging. With that in mind, certain parts of the hike should not be attempted by small children or for anyone with mobility problems.
In addition, the changing seasons also create their own challenges so be extra cautious while hiking on rocks as they can become very polished and slippery when wet. The Spring is particularly hazardous because of the mild temperatures resulting in the snow melting in the high country. This can lead to very frigid water running rapidly over the rocks and falls.
Willow Creek Trail is open from May through October, and dogs are welcome. It’s also a popular trail for mountain bikers.
How to get there?
If you drive along road 432 (the lower road) on the north shore, you will come across the falls day use area and Willow Creek trailhead. This is a perfect spot to park and begin your hike up Willow Creek. This area is a favorite for recreational visitors to the lake and requires a parking fee in the summer.
Source: https://www.yosemitethisyear.com/
Head from the parking area back along the road to the bridge over the creek. The trail begins on the east side of the creek. Angel Falls is about one mile up from the parking area. Continue on the narrow path with a bit of an incline. Along the way you will see multiple little pools – these are very popular relaxing spots for hikers on their way up or down.
Guest image – relaxing after a hike up the Willow Creek
While the water may seem inviting, do not *fall* for it! Rushing water is not safe, remain on the trail, especially when the creek is fall. One mile into your hike, you will get rewarded with a stunning view of Angel Falls. Right above it is the pumping station for Bass Lake water company.
Angel Falls at Willow Creek (Bass Lake, CA)
If you have had enough for one trip then this is a great spot to turn around. But, if you decide to continue your hike past the Angel Falls, you will notice that the creek is much calmer. Not far above the falls is a large fallen tree that makes crossing and exploring the west side of the creek possible. There is a trail that will lead down to a parking lot that is accessible from Road 274 (the upper road).
Cross-over spot above the Angel Falls.
If you decide to keep hiking up the east side of the creek, then you have about one more mile to your next destination – Devil’s Slide. This part of the trail is much less travelled. Perhaps it is due to exhaustion and the distance, or perhaps because the views are much less spectacular.
After a while you will come to a fence along the trail that is there to deter you from making the treacherous decent down along the falls. There have been several casualties over the years which probably prompted the protection. A little over two miles from the start of your hike should leave you at the top of Devils Slide and with plenty of scenic pictures from an awesome day in the Sierra.
The Falls Resort
The Falls Resort was a very popular social gathering spot where Willow Creek fed into the lake. It sat on the rocks, overhanging the shore of Bass Lake, on the western side of the bridge, over the falls. Even though this establishment is often mistakenly referred to as “The Old Pines” – this was a completely independent establishment, not associated with The Pines Resort.
Source: https://calisphere.org/item/ark:/13030/kt6m3nc8h0/
It was established in 1916 through a special use permit from the Sierra National Forest. It consisted of several cabins and a dancehall, sometimes used as a roller rink, with a bar downstairs. Locals and visitors frequented enough to make this a popular destination.
The Falls Resort operated until 1968, when the Sierra Forest Service decided not to renew the permit. When prompted, the reasons given were the traffic at the falls created a dangerous bottleneck as well as the Saturday night dances were not an appropriate activity for the National Forest to support.
Today, you still can see the reminence of the Falls Resort’s patio.
Willow Creek drop into Bass Lake. On the right, patio of the Falls Resort
Safety Tips
Waterfalls are great wonders of nature. Waterfall-themed trips can be enriching and providing a great bonding experience for the family. They can also be very dangerous, that’s why it is important to practice safety to make sure your memories will last a lifetime:
- Not all hiking trails might be maintained. Do not over-estimate your abilities. Be safe, rather than sorry.
- Never climb on or around a waterfall!
- Rocks are slippery! Do not leave dirt paths.
- Wear proper hiking shoes (no flip flops or sandals!).
- Do not play in the stream or river above a waterfall. Streams might be very rocky deep and freezing cold.
- Springtime is especially great for waterfall viewing, but also the most dangerous.
- Keep in mind that you are in a remote area and medical or rescue resources are limited.
- Do not risk your life for Instagram perfect photo-shoots. Be aware of your surroundings.
- Take time to enjoy your destination. Bring a picnic or your favorite book to enjoy while you are resting before the hike back.
- Leave no trace! Pack out and remove all trash to protect wildlife.
Sources:
- Marcia Penner Freedman ‘Willow Creek History. Tales of Cow Camps, Shake Makers & Basket Weavers”
- San Joaquin Valley Library System
- https://www.alltrails.com/
- World of Waterfalls
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