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Bare Island Lake
A quiet 1.9-mile hike to a Sierra National Forest lake near Fish Camp.
About
Bare Island Lake sits around 8,350 feet in the Sierra National Forest, reached by a short backcountry trail south of Yosemite near Fish Camp and Bass Lake. It's outside the national park boundary, but for anyone staying in Fish Camp it's one of the closest quiet-water hikes around — a trail day-trippers headed into the park almost never bother with.
The hike in
The trail runs 1.9 miles one-way from the Iron Creek trailhead (Forest Service Trail 23E04) to the lake. It's open to hikers only — no stock, no bikes — and the Forest Service notes no water along the route, so pack in what you'll drink for the full round trip.
What's there
- A backcountry lake with no restrooms, no maintained campsites, and no reliable cell service
- Used locally as a fishing spot, though no stocking schedule or species list is published for it
- Managed by the Bass Lake Ranger District, Sierra National Forest, out of North Fork, CA
Check current conditions with the ranger district before you go — (559) 877-2218 — especially for seasonal access and any fire-related closures in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the hike to Bare Island Lake?
It's 1.9 miles one-way from the Iron Creek trailhead (Forest Service Trail 23E04), so plan on roughly 4 miles round trip.
Is Bare Island Lake inside Yosemite National Park?
No. It's in the Sierra National Forest, south of the park near Fish Camp and Bass Lake, and is managed by the Bass Lake Ranger District rather than the National Park Service.
Is there water along the trail?
The Forest Service notes no water is available along the route, so carry enough for the full round trip.
Who do I contact for current trail conditions?
The Bass Lake Ranger District in North Fork, CA handles this trail; call (559) 877-2218 for seasonal access and closure updates.
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