See and hear the Merced River from the deck of Yosemite's River House
Location: Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Area, Gold Country & High Sierra, California, USA
Accommodations: House, 3 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 2 Baths (Sleeps 7-9)
YOSEMITE'S RIVER HOUSE...a newly re-modeled 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with a spectacular view of the Merced River. From its location close to Highway 140-- the "All-Year Highway" to Yosemite National Park--you are only 5 miles to the Park boundary, and minutes to the incomparable Yosemite Valley. With a fully-equipped kitchen, 2 gas fireplaces, an in-ground swimming pool, and a large deck overlooking the river, YOSEMITE'S RIVER HOUSE is a year-round vacation destination from which to enjoy the sights, sounds, and recreational activities of the "crown jewel of national parks".
With 3 bedrooms and a sleeper sofa, YOSEMITE'S RIVER HOUSE can accommodate up to 9 guests. One bedroom has a queen bed, a gas fireplace surrounded by beautiful local rock, and a sublime river view. A second bedroom also has a queen bed, a pool view, and an adjoining full bathroom. The 3rd bedroom has a bunk bed, with a twin mattress on top and a double on bottom. A second full bathroom has been newly renovated in an Art Deco style. The kitchen has everything you'll need, and you'll love the view from the sink, watching the river roll by. The living room has ample comfortable seating, a stone fireplace with gas insert, a 42" HDTV, and DVD player. Wireless internet is also available.
The El Portal area has a fascinating history. The Yosemite Valley Railroad, which ran on what is now Incline road, operated from 1906 until 1942. Before Highway 140 was completed in 1926, the railroad carried passengers to El Portal, from where they would continue their journey to Yosemite via horse-drawn carriages, and later motor-coaches. On the return trip to Merced, the train carried sugar pine logs back to the sawmill.
YOSEMITE'S RIVER HOUSE is on Incline Road (the former railroad bed), a level, paved lane parallel to the Merced River. Because so few cars travel the road, it is ideal for walking, running, skating, and biking. Guests at YOSEMITE'S RIVER HOUSE can take advantage of a variety of seasonal activities in the area, including:
*river rafting, kayaking, and some of California's premier wildflower walks in the spring.
*swimming in the on-site pool and local swimming holes in the summer.
*downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing at family-friendly Badger Pass in the winter.
*trout and bass fishing in season.
*photography, hiking, bird and wildlife watching, rock hounding, and phenomenal star-gazing all year round.
Staying at YOSEMITE'S RIVER HOUSE is an affordable family vacation, especially when 2 families share the rental and food costs. Upon returning to the house after a day of fun activities, refresh by the pool or relax on the deck and listen to the soothing sounds of the Wild and Scenic Merced River. Cook outside on the gas BBQ, have a delightful meal outdoors, and savor your vacation at our unique location in El Portal, the Gateway to Yosemite.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking
- Gas Fireplace (2) : one in living room, one in bedroom
- Beds
- Queen Bed (2)
- Bunk Bed: double mattress on lower, twin on top
- Convertible Bed: queen size sofa bed in living room
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV: Dish Network Satellite service with high definition; Toshiba 42" TV
- DVD
- Video Library
- Private Pool: newly resurfaced in-ground pool
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Ice Maker
- Catering Available: advance notice required please
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio: expansive deck overlooking the Merced River
- Gazebo: 9' x 11' gazebo in pool area
- View/Location
- Waterfront, not Lake/Oceanfront. Ask for details: hundreds of feet of river frontage
- Mountain View: stunning views of the Merced River Canyon
- Communications
- Telephone
- Free Long Distance
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Rafting
- Kayaking
- Swimming
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Downhill/Alpine Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Rock Climbing
- Live Theatre
- Museums
- Horseback Riding
- Other Activities
- The renowned Hite Cove wildflower trail is 10 minutes away, a train exhibit is in El Portal, massage therapy is available by appointment.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
$325/night (2 people); add'l guests $25 (peak); $300/night (2 people) off-peak
$250 deposit to hold reservation
$90 one time cleaning fee
10% County Occupancy Tax, 1% Tourism Assessment Fee
Peak season Apr thru Oct
3 night minimum in peak season
holiday rate: $375 (2 people); additional guests $25 each
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Credit Cards Accepted:
Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 2007
Property Photos
- See and hear the Merced River from the deck of Yosemite's River House - Yosemite Area Vacation House on the Merced River; Pool, Hiking; Wi-Fi
- Enjoy gorgeous mountain and river views while visiting or dining on the deck - Yosemite Area Vacation House on the Merced River; Pool, Hiking; Wi-Fi
- Walk, bike, or skate along the historic YV railroad bed next to the Merced River - Yosemite Area Vacation House on the Merced River; Pool, Hiking; Wi-Fi
- Enjoy a swim in your private pool after a day of touring Yosemite National Park
- Beautiful piney mountains surround the private swimming pool above the river
- Flowering garden, covered cabana and chaise lounges surround peaceful pool
- Queen bed with private bath and views of the pool and mountains
- Queen bed, private door to deck, fireplace, and views of the Merced River
- Single bunk above, double below. Room has built-in dresser&closet, mountain view
- Fireplace of river rock in cozy living room with views all around
- Wood floors, cozy couches, giant armchair, local art and books, DVD & HDTV
- Spacious living room opens to dining area and kitchen with bedrooms beyond
- Living room and fireplace beyond the dining table and breakfast nook
- Artisan breakfast nook invites in morning light and beautiful river views
- View the river, visit friends & family while preparing meals in the open kitchen
- Deck over the Merced River, pool with open views at Yosemite's River House
Guest Comments (13)
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #236113
There have been 6571 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2009.
This listing was first published here in 2009.
Date last modified - November 13, 2009
Positive Rating
Beautiful house! Such a lovely setting, waking up every morning to the rush of the river nearby and deer in the yard. Thank you so much for sharing you house with us. We will definitely be coming back!
Positive Rating
Thanks for everything. It was a PRIVILEGE to stay in your home. I've been to Yosemite 11 times and have stayed at the Ahwahnee Hotel, Yosemite Lodge, Wawona Hotel and Yosemite West. Your home is now my favorite place to stay. I hope to see you again on a future visit.
Positive Rating
What a wonderful home base for our trip to Yosemite. The house and area are absolutely stunning. Breakfast on the deck was a favorite for all of us. And the pool is awesome, especially after hiking all day in 100 degree heat. Thanks so much for sharing. When we return to Yosemite, we will definitely return to Yosemite's River House.
Positive Rating
What a wonderful house! Loved the decks and pool. Great location close to Yosemite and we even climbed Half Dome!
Positive Rating
Yosemite's River House is remarkable! So many delights and pleasures for all the senses: --lovely decor --the rushing Merced River's song --the scent of sun-warmed pines --the coolness of the pool's water --the taste of a good meal out on the deck With much appreciation. Thanks
Positive Rating
This is a beautiful house and it is very relaxing to stay here. The beds are like sleeping on a cloud. And the kids loved the pool.
Positive Rating
This is a great house! We had a wonderful time. We loved the deck and the way it is set up...perfect for a relaxing evening overlooking the Merced River. Naturally, the kids loved the pool and the yard. Thank you for your hospitality and a wonderful birthday surprise.
Positive Rating
A wonderful place to stay to explore Yosemite. Fully enjoyed all the amenities of the house and the kids loved the pool. We loved that such care was taken with the smallest details in the house. Thanks!
Positive Rating
Thanks for a great time. The house was great! The views and sounds were amazing. Thank you for a great vacation...we had a wonderful time.
Positive Rating
Loved the house! Beautiful setting...we had a wonderful vacation. Thank you so much for your hospitality.