North Fork epitomizes Madera County living
Located at the exact heart of California, North Fork encapsulates life in the Sierra Nevada foothills. This rustic Madera County community is a relative stone’s throw from outdoor oases like Bass Lake, Sierra National Forest and Yosemite National Park. Yet it’s also within 50 miles of Fresno's jobs and amenities. The homes in North Fork come in an array of shapes and sizes, and many offer space from neighbors. But when locals get together, friendliness is a shared trait — perhaps because, as local Realtor Donna Pride says, people are happy to be here. “People take your handshake, your eye contact, your word of mouth,” says Pride, who’s with London Properties and has been a top producer in the region for decades.
Local region oozes with hiking, camping and fishing opportunities
This area has an abundance of places for outdoor adventure, around what's considered the geographic center of the state. Those who prefer to stay close to home can tackle the Manzanita Lake Trail, which takes visitors by the small but scenic Manzanita Lake and is roughly 2 miles round-trip. The North Fork Recreation Area features a softball field and a jungle gym, plus a beach and a swimming area by South Fork Willow Creek. Bass Lake, just outside North Fork, is a hotspot for boating, fishing and swimming in the Sierra National Forest. The rest of the forest unfurls mostly east of North Fork and includes dozens of trails stretching hundreds of miles, and more than 60 campgrounds. Yosemite National Park’s South Entrance is 27 miles from North Fork, and its varied terrain offers 750 more miles of trails. Some paths take visitors near the park’s signature waterfalls, which are most active during the spring.
Mountain landscape holds an eclectic housing inventory
North Fork’s homes dot spacious lots, along the area’s winding and hilly roads. Some parcels are multiple acres, but most are at least one-fifth of an acre. Houses often sit back from the road, and trees shroud some of them. But when buyers look beyond the veil, they find that no two options are the same. “You’ve got some beautiful custom homes in the North Fork area,” Pride says. Floor plans average about 1,800 square feet across the community’s diverse collection of bungalows, ranch- and log cabin-style houses. Prices start at $200,000 for homes under 1,500 square feet and reach $780,000 for properties well over 2,000 square feet.
Annual event pays homage to logging heritage
The North Fork Recreation Center hosts the Annual Mid-Sierra Loggers Jamboree every summer around the Fourth of July. This tradition, which dates back more than 60 years, recognizes the history of logging in this forested region. The jamboree features logging competitions for sawing, tree falling and more. There’s also a parade and an evening ball. The Fourth of July also brings an annual fireworks show over Bass Lake, which Pride says is a big draw.
Center of North Fork offers popular restaurants
North Fork’s downtown, around Roads 222 and 225, is filled with restaurants and other businesses. Buckhorn Saloon & Restaurant is one of the fixtures, open 365 days a year. “You have people from all over that enjoy that,” Pride says. “A lot of people have their favorite barstool in there.” Pride says the award-winning North Fork BBQ is another draw. “It’s terrific,” Pride says. "Their ribs and pork and beef.” The Gnarly Carrot and Kern Family Farm has fresh produce, and North Fork Supermarket offers more grocery items. North Fork Hardware, open since 1947, sells not only hardware but also clothing, furniture and housewares.
Chawanakee Unified schools are a motivation for moving here
North Fork is within the Chawanakee Unified School District, which has a respected reputation in the region. “Some people move out here and commute to Fresno for an hour just to have their kids in these schools,” Pride says. The district carries a B-minus rating on Niche. The C-rated North Fork Elementary covers kindergarten to eighth grade and hosts events for its students, including a fall festival with a haunted house, food and live music. The unrated Mountain Oaks High offers 8-to-1 student-teacher ratios. Chawanakee Adult School, next to the high school, has GED and career technical education programs.
Route 41 takes drivers to the region’s largest city
Residents have a relatively simple commute to the city of Fresno, using North Fork Road and California State Route 41. Fresno is about a 45-mile trip. Pride says many people choose the rural environment of North Fork over the city, but commute to Fresno for work. The Kaiser Permanente Fresno Medical Center is just under 40 miles away on the city’s north side. Travelers can take direct flights to 16 destinations from the Fresno Yosemite International Airport. Madera County Connection provides bus service to North Fork on the Eastern Madera County line.
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
