Last weekend we had to chance to spend most of Saturday at Pine Mountain Lake, a private resort community in the foothills of the Western Sierra Nevada mountains (roughly 3,000 foot elevation). It's only a half our drive from the entrance to Yosemite National Park.
Pine Mountain has a about 3,000 homes in and around the lake area, several beaches, a golf course, campgrounds, an equestrian center & stables (horse rides), an airport (and aviation association), tennis courts, pool, and so on.
Many of the homes are vacation or second homes, weekend getaways, or rentals, though there is a sizable contingent of full-time residents as well (some retired, some airplane commuters). The most desirable properties seem to be on the lake, up high with views, or near the airport (with taxiway access!).
The lake has abundant activities for a relaxing weekend. One can swim, play volleyball, rent a kayak or sailboat, or take a ride on the water taxi. For $2/day (children are $1/day), you can ride the boat between the four stops around the lake, including the main Pine Mountain Lake Marina, Lake Lodge Dock, Fisherman's Cove, and Dunn Court Beach.
We took the 45 minute water taxi ride around the lake to get a good sense of what's where. It's worth noting that there's a 5mph speed limit on the lake most of the time, except during water ski hours.
There's food and drinks available within feet of the beach and lots of grass on which to put your towel, umbrella, chairs, tent, whatever. There are public use charcoal grills as well.
All in all, it's not a bad place to spend a day. Or weekend. Or a week. Or even more... :-)
Pictures: Pine Mountain Lake, August 2007 (on Flickr)
Posted by jzawodn at August 16, 2007 10:51 AM
I LOVE PML! Did you make it to the Iron Door in Groveland?
Actually, we did make it to the Iron Door. It was our 3rd or 4th time to Groveland, but our first to visit the Iron Door. We were not impressed.
The Mexican place down the place is a favorite, however...
