Spring Cove Trail

Spring Cove Trail is a point-to-point route that climbs from Spring Cove Campground on the southwest shore of Bass Lake up into the Sierra National Forest, gaining roughly 800 feet over about a mile and a half before meeting the Goat Mountain Trail. It's shaded and well maintained lower down, though hikers should expect some deadfall to climb over or around after storms — this is a real forest trail, not a groomed path.

On the Trail

Hikers rate the climb as moderate: steady effort and uneven footing in places, with a genuine workout by the time you reach the junction with Goat Mountain Trail. Mountain bikers know it from the other direction — as a fast, tight, twisty descent that crosses a fire road a few times on its lower half, often ridden as an alternate to the technical descent off Goat Mountain. Distance is roughly 1.5 miles one-way with about 800 feet of elevation gain.

• Distance: about 1.5 miles one-way to the Goat Mountain Trail junction
• Elevation gain: roughly 800 feet
• Route type: point-to-point, not a loop
• Use: hiking and mountain biking

Going Further

From the junction, continuing on Goat Mountain Trail adds more climbing toward the historic Goat Mountain fire lookout — the combined route from Spring Cove runs a little over five miles, with views opening up over Bass Lake and the surrounding forest near the top. Bring layers; the lookout sits well above the lake and catches more wind and weather.

Getting There

The trailhead is near Spring Cove Campground on the southwest side of Bass Lake, in the Bass Lake Ranger District of Sierra National Forest, a short drive from Oakhurst.