The Pines Resort

Located on Bass Lake within the Sierra National Forest, The Pines Resort is the only lakeside resort in the Yosemite area. This resort is on the North Shore of Bass Lake, 17 miles (27 km) miles from the Southern entrance of Yosemite National Park and an hour's drive north from Fresno. Accommodations range from fully equipped cabins to hotel suites. The Pines Resort operates a full-service marina that offers boat rentals and hosts two restaurants on-site. Additionally, the resort sits within the Pines Village, a community hub that includes a grocery market, a bar, and an array of other shops.
Founded in 1901 by actors William Day and William Haskell, The Pines Resort was designed as an artists' retreat, and opened the same year as Bass Lake dam's construction. Despite undergoing extensive reconstruction after a severe fire in 1962, the resort sustained its popularity, offering respite from San Joaquin Valley heat and serving as a key stopover for Yosemite-bound tourists.
The Pines Resort originated from the vision of William Day, an actor, and William Haskell, a land developer, in 1901. Intrigued by the natural appeal of the Crane Valley area, they saw potential for an artists' retreat. Consequently, they established a sawmill at Willow Creek, erected several cabins, and completed The Pines Resort, marking the region's first resort. Having retired from their careers on the Orpheum Circuit, Day and Haskell managed the mountain resort, predominantly targeting the horse and buggy trade and drawing numerous patrons from their acting network.
In the 1920s, The Pines Resort was promoted as a stopover for motorists en route to Yosemite, and as a destination in its own right, providing a respite from the high temperatures of Fresno. Advertised as the "coolest place in California" at its altitude, The Pines offered hotel rooms and housekeeping cabins, each equipped with a private bathroom.
During the 1930s, the resort, despite its rustic decor, was known for its formal dining room. Guests were required to dress elegantly for dinner, which was served at set times announced by a bell. Linen-draped tables enhanced the sophisticated dining experience. In this period, the resort also housed a post office, and the community's only direct contact with the outside world was facilitated through a single, manually operated telephone.
Claude Williams acquired The Pines Resort's property from its previous owners, Charlie Blank and O. L. Everetts, in 1944. In 1958, he delegated the management of the resort to his offspring - Claude Jr., G. E. (Bud), and Joyce Kimbro.
A devastating fire in 1962 led to the complete destruction of The Pines Resort. Despite this setback, the resort was rebuilt and reopened in 1963. The rebuilding process required substantial debris removal before commencing construction in January 1963. The revamped resort, covering an area of roughly 16,000 square feet, was modernized and designed to harmonize with the environment. It featured rustic, peeled pine posts and was finished with natural cedar and pine. To enhance spaciousness, large amounts of glass were utilized, and rustic rock masonry was applied to certain wall sections. Other notable characteristics included a covered porch running the length of the building. Crowley Hill Construction Co. managed the rebuilding process, with architectural designs provided by R. W. Steyens & Associates. The cost of the new construction was projected to be over $200,000.
By 1967, The Pines Resort had extended to include a commercial hub, known as the Pines Village. This center housed several establishments such as the Pines Fountain, Pines Market, Pines Coffee Shop, Pines Bar, Pines Laundromat, and Pines Village Bakery. Additional amenities included the Village Korner gift shop, Pine Tree House, Ponderosa Theater, Pine Realty, Pines Garage, and the U.S. Post Office.
The resort underwent a change of ownership in 2007 when it was acquired by Greenlaw Partners. In 2010, ownership transitioned again to Kyu Sun Choe and Sun Wah Choe.
Since 1991, the Pines Resort has annually hosted the Bass Lake Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights in the Pines Village. The event features a variety of floats and a visit from Santa Claus.