Rustic, All-Wood Sierra Cabin in the Woods Near Arnold/Bear Valley
Mountain House is located at 5,200 feet only minutes from the Stanislaus River, Lake Alpine, and the Bear Valley Ski Area. Nestled on a 1/2 acre lot with large cedars and fir trees you in the forest overlooking the woods yet only minutes from recreation that includes downhill skiing in the winter, kayaking, and canoeing in the summer, swimming, and always great hiking.
Our wonderful cabin has high ceilings, an all-wood interior, and new wood-like laminate flooring and carpeting throughout the bedrooms and loft. This is our family cabin for the last 30 years. And has 80-year-old snow shoes on the wall. My kids grew up coming here and now my grandkids love it. It's beautiful and quiet and the season changes are amazing.
Please, do not expect a five-star hotel here. We keep it rustic, basic with a few amenities. If you love old California, this place is for you.
The peaceful and beautiful surroundings of the Mountain House cabin make it a great retreat from the San Francisco Bay Area only 3 hours away off Hwy 4.
There is also the historic gold mining towns of Murphy and Angels Camp only just 20 minutes down the hill and of course the Big Trees State Park with it's towering 1000-year-old redwoods.
Come and enjoy a weekend away in the summer or winter for a great retreat back to nature.
Snow parks and Bear Valley ski area: We can access Winter recreation areas easily. The Bear Valley ski area which includes downhill skiing, cross country, and events through the winter is only 16 miles or 20 minutes from our cabin. In addition, there are two Snow Parks monitored by the State of California nearby. The Stanislaus Snow Park, only 15 minutes up Hwy 4, and The Lake Alpine Snow Park. You need to purchase a daily pass and can park your vehicle in the plowed parking lot. Cross country, snowshoeing, and sledding are available at these two locations.
Summer fun with rivers, lakes, and hiking: Our cabin is perfectly located for local recreation by rivers and lakes. The Stanislaus River is only 15 minutes away, Lake Alpine is 16 miles east past Bear Valley and the wonderful Utica and Spicer Reservoirs that are perfect for kayaking are about an hour away. And for our 6-year-old, we go to White Pines Lake near Arnold a great, simple place to be in the afternoon with family just down the road. For hiking, the options are endless as you get up into the national forest.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Similar properties
Stylish Treetop Cabin with Jacuzzi & Sauna in the Arnold Woods
Arnold
Stylish Treetop Cabin with Jacuzzi & Sauna in the Arnold Woods
Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
We insist you do not leave pets alone in the cabin
default
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
No smoking within the house at any time
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number TOT-0224
About the area
Arnold
Located in Arnold, this cabin is in a rural area and on a lake. Sierra Nevada Logging Museum and Murphys Creek Theatre are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Sequoia Woods Country Club and Golf Course and Bear Valley Cross Country and Adventure Company. Leland Meadows and Twain Harte Miniature Golf are also worth visiting. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, or try out other outdoor activities such as snowmobiling and sledging.
Calaveras Big Trees State Park - 6 min drive - 4.1 km
Arnold Rim Trail - 14 min drive - 11.3 km
Sequoia Woods Country Club and Golf Course - 15 min drive - 12.0 km
Sierra Nevada Logging Museum - 15 min drive - 13.1 km
White Pines Lake - 15 min drive - 13.1 km
Getting around
Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) - 144 min drive
Restaurants
The Lube Room Saloon - 5 min drive
Snack Shack - 10 min drive
Camp Connell General Store - 4 min drive
Blue Lake Bistro / Snowflake Lodge Restaurant - 12 min drive
Fairway View Lounge - 14 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Rustic, All-Wood Sierra Cabin in the Woods Near Arnold/Bear Valley pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much does it cost to stay at Rustic, All-Wood Sierra Cabin in the Woods Near Arnold/Bear Valley?
As of 12 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Rustic, All-Wood Sierra Cabin in the Woods Near Arnold/Bear Valley on 1 Jul 2026 start from £105, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Rustic, All-Wood Sierra Cabin in the Woods Near Arnold/Bear Valley?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Rustic, All-Wood Sierra Cabin in the Woods Near Arnold/Bear Valley?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Rustic, All-Wood Sierra Cabin in the Woods Near Arnold/Bear Valley?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Rustic, All-Wood Sierra Cabin in the Woods Near Arnold/Bear Valley located?
Situated on a lake, this cabin is 3 mi (4.8 km) from Calaveras Big Trees State Park and within 9 miles (15 km) of Arnold Rim Trail and Sequoia Woods Country Club and Golf Course. Sierra Nevada Logging Museum and White Pines Lake are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
9.0
Wonderful
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We had a great holiday in the property here very chose to the ski resort. Kids so happy to play snow at outside the house.
It is recommended to increase the brightness of the living room.
Kiki Z.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Jul 2023
So glad you had a great time. We all work on improving the lighting in the living room present that I’m glad you enjoy the snow and our wonderful house.
We’ve been coming back year after year bc we haven’t found another cabin as nice in this area. The downstairs has plenty of space, the loft is really spacious and it is very quiet and peaceful.
Plus, the owner was very helpful when we initially couldn’t get the lockbox open.
We very much enjoyed our stay at Mountain House over the holidays. The property is warm, spacious, and has premium TV channels and laundry facilities. We never lost power during the historic snowstorms in 2022-23. The owner is kind and accommodative. Dog friendly and reasonably priced. We would definitely return!
ELLEN H.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2022
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Steven D.
10 Apr 2015
Wonderful! Woods! Nice Deck Too!
We couldn't have had a nicer time. My husband and kids just loved every minute. And, thank the gods for Netflix at night. Was so easy to be here. Felt like our other home in the mountains!
The cabin had a nice slope and large backyard for 5 kids from 6-11 to sled and play in the snow all weekend. The experience mas of course differ depending on the amount of snow on the ground and the new snow falling, but we had steady snow fall the entire time we were there. We never made it out to the sno parks near Bear Valley. And when the kids were tired, they came in for hot chocolate and TV. It was a great stay overall!
Sang P.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023
Verified
8/10 Good
Jen S.
3 Jan 2019
Warm family cabin
It was a great peaceful place. The only bummer was the wifi stopped working on our last night there because the bill wasn't paid according to the notification. This was a big deal since we didn't have any cell reception and the wifi was the only way to communicate with anyone. Either way my family and I really enjoyed our stay and would come back for a fun family vacation again and again! Thank you for a wonderful stay.
Jen S.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Jul 2023
Thank you for telling me this. I paid the bill. They NEVER notified me the bill was late. I'm very sorry about this....
It was exactly as described. Actually a little better. Only one mishap. One of the entry steps broke during the stay.
Patrick B.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Jul 2023
Thanks for your comments. Our place is excellent and well located. I'm really glad Patrick reached out to me right away on the broken step coming down our stairs. I was up there two days later and fixed it. Getting that input is important for us to maintain an awesome experience for our guests...
Convenient location to the lake and near by attractions.
We stayed for 5 days four nights. The place was as described. Good direction to get to, and close proximity to many local attractions. The owner was very responsive to questions.
All in all, great location and value.
One suggestion: it was summer and it was rather hot and stuffy in the house. We wanted to open all windows to let the cool air in, but was limited to those windows with screens to prevent mosquitoes from coming into the house. If possible, install screens on doors and windows to facilitate airflow.
This is a great location if you want to get away from the city. We had a good and relax time during our stay.
Very rustic which is awesome and toys for the kids and wifi is strong, kitchen well equipped. We visited lakes nearby and state park.
Do not expect it will perfectly clean its a cabin expect some dust and spider web. Kitchen carpet is old.
Overall we are happy and have a chance to relax which is that's our goal. Thank you Steve for letting us to stay in your beautiful cabin.
>18 mins drive away to garbage disposal.
Maricel O.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Jul 2023
Thanks you for the awesome review! Much appreicated.
Steven
Verified
2/10 Terrible
Gail P.
17 Mar 2022
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy
Mountain ccabin Dorrington
The cabin had not been cleaned & was horribly dirty not only with dust but lots of food in the refrigerator & sticky handles & food crumbs & personal items left
The owner responded quickly & said he had paid to have it cleaned.
Be careful on the stairs coming down from 1 bedroom. It has has a loose board .
It is quiet & has a beautiful view.
Gail P.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Jul 2023
I was in communication with our guest and had discovered our cleaning person had an emergency and did not get to the cabin prior to our guest's arrival. I'm very sorry about this and was willing to compensate for this.
This was a very cozy cabin with all the amenities we could ask for. We did have a few issues - we had to shovel a path to the door, and the cleaners hadn't come after the last residents, but the owner warned us about the snow and offered a full refund if we didn't want to go. It turns out the cleaners hadn't come (probably because of the snow) and didn't tell him, so we had to do some of our own cleaning, but he refunded us the cleaning deposit. Overall excellent communication, service, and a very nice place. I'm sure our experience was also a one off due to the unprecedented amount of snow this winter.
Would recommend!
Eric H.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023
Archival
6/10 Okay
Amanda G.
28 Jul 2016
Great location, helpful host, cabin in need of a little TLC
The location of this cabin couldn't be better. We loved being under 30 minutes from hiking, lakes, fishing, swimming, and groceries. The area is beautiful and not overly crowded- even the weekend of the 4th of July.
Our host was responsive and prompt. He replied to questions quickly and sent lots of information ahead to make our stay better
The cabin itself was spacious enough to accommodate 6 adults and a toddler. We were able to prepare meals easily in the kitchen. However, it is in need of a little TLC. Carpets and closets could use a deep cleaning to rid the place of some long seated dust and cobwebs. Mattresses and sofas could use some updating to make the place cleaner and more comfortable.
Amanda G.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Jul 2023
I'm really happy you enjoyed our cabin and Your stay. I think her cabin is a wonderful place for families as you mentioned. Thank you for mentioning the carpets in our closets. We are having our carpets cleaned soon as possible. And it's important for us to make sure there's no problems with the bedding so were going through things through and making sure it's all taken care of. We want to welcome you back anytime.
Verified
8/10 Good
Jessika H.
7 Apr 2019
Old homey cabin
Over all we are happy with the cabin. It was very quiet, peaceful, conveniently located and priced well with pleanty of beds for us to sleep comfortably. Having to cleanup (wash & put away dishes, wash & put away towels, haul out trash and vacuum) was fine with us but I am wondering why I am still being charged a cleaning fee if there are no house cleaners. We left the house cleaner then when we got there. Besides the coffee pot not working (we are coffee addicts, that was a big bummer), there not being any dry firewood or kindling to make a fire, and the downstairs toilet leaking, we enjoyed our stay in this old homey cabin. Thank you.
Jessika H.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Jul 2023
Thanks for getting back to me on your stay. As for your comments. I'm sorry if the coffee maker was not working. I was up there just a week ago and it worked fine. Also, I was unaware of the downstairs toilet leaking. I'll get up there and check that out immediately. We always have our cleaning person come to make the place perfect. I'm sorry if you did not find it that way.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Erik S.
16 Jan 2018
Good cabin, maybe needs some updates
I personally loved this cabin, however there where a few quirks, quite a few of the chairs had been repaired several times, and at best feel a little precarious. One was broken when we arrived at the cabin. The twin bed upstairs was in a sad state and should probably be replaced. Along with that the downstairs bedroom I was in the blinds still let the light in during the morning, I am a light sleeper so this was a bit of a nuisance.
Still despite all this I would heartily stay here again. It's a comfortable cabin that has a lot of rustic charm. The upstairs would be great if you have a lot of kids and need to get rid of them. Also I can confirm this cabin does in fact have smoke detectors.
Erik S.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Jul 2023
Erik -
Thanks for your review. We're replacing the batteries of the two smoke detectors this weekend. The twin bed is very old and part of our family history. We'll do some updating there. Everything else will also review to make sure this place is in good shape for the next family.
Archival
4/10 Poor
yaron y.
18 Jan 2017
Not recommended - Look for other alternatives
The cabin does have a lucrative rate, however this is what we got for this price -
* Upon arriving Found that all the sheets and towels , including the blankets were all dirty and haven't been washed. We had to start wash all of them. The owner's response? "really sorry" . It is adequate to offer a compensation, as cleaning fee was included in the price of the cabin
* Some mattresses are Old metal spring mattresses in a really bad shape. It was so bad our kids refused to sleep on that claiming it hurts their back. And kids do not have too high standards when it gets to mattresses
* You have to drive 15 miles to the closest trash dumping station. This should be clearly mentioned. A party of 8 generates a good amount of trash in 3 days.
* There is no smoke detector (there's one broken in the drawer). This is a wood cabin to remind you
* There is a pretty thick layer of dust everywhere - the owner does say "there is a lot of dust in this area" but I don't think anyone is opening windows in December when it 25 degrees outside. This looks more like really not cleaning the cabin at all
* Last one - took the owner 3 weeks to return the damage deposit (we got a message from him he was satisfied with how we returned the cabin , so it was clear it was not due to him assessing damage), including us needing to call Homeaway to try and get him to process the deposit back. This is not how you treat your clients
On a positive note, the cabin is quite roomy and we loved the flat screen tv and Netflix. Great location if you targeting a ski vacation in the nearby bear valley ski resort (about 25 mins drive)
Bottom line - would not recommend staying here. Look for other alternatives
yaron y.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Jul 2023
I'm sorry to hear this visitor, was unhappy with our wonderful cabin. Unfortunately our guests arrive early and did not give our cleaning crew time to clean. As a result there was dirty towels that should not have been there. I did return the deposit less than three weeks after the rental. As for everything else we just replaced two mattresses We clearly mention that visitors must remove their own trash. This is a rustic, older, cabin that we love and we invite you to come and ask any questions about our place. Please check our other reviews as well.
Verified
2/10 Terrible
Dawn S.
22 Mar 2018
CHEAP RATE FOR A FILTHY CABIN......BEWARE
Received the “welcome” packet with the key a few weeks prior to our weekend getaway. I noticed it stated renters to clean prior to vacating.....dusting, vacuuming sweeping, moping, bathroom sinks, toilets, washing all towels....even though there's a cleaning fee. Most cabins call for the standard straightening up, removing trash, and leaving dirty towels in the laundry room. I also read that we would have to take our trash to a nearby trash facility which is about 20 min away so I contacted the owner and his response was that this was on his posting clearly noted and actually it’s not otherwise I would have never rented this place. He apologized for the misunderstanding but what could I do, it was already too late to cancel.....then he tells me that the dishwasher is broken and that a door seal is on order but won’t be in until March so we would also have to wash dishes!!
On our way, the owner texts me and ask me could I dispose two bags of trash that was left by the previous renter, that his cleaning lady doesn’t dispose trash of and that he apologizes for the inconvenience.....I said sure.
Now the check in.....we get there around 8:30pm and walk in to yes, it’s an old cabin but that wasn’t the problem. I love old and rustic but what I don’t like is a filthy cabin. Nothing had been cleaned. Dust everywhere, dirty kitchen & bathrooms down to urine and pubs on the seats, pennies and debris all over the carpet, dirty tissue on the floor, old food in the fridge and no sheets on the beds even though the listing shows "linens provided". I called the owner and was sorry and said the listing was inaccurate about the sheets. I told him we would clean but I wanted the cleaning fee refunded and fire his cleaning lady....he agreed to the refund. So after hours of cleaning and finding a few flat sheets to wash, we covered the stained urine and old blood mattresses and crashed. Beds, by the way, are horrid.
We left the next day after a few hours of snow play even though we were paid up for the weekend. We cleaned our messes, even vacuumed and removed all trash from the cabin but we left the trash at the curb with the previous renter's trash. The cabin looked better than we found it. The security deposit was refunded quickly but not the cleaning fee.....surprise surprise.
***Oh read all the reviews, the owner left himself a glowing review....HILARIOUS! I bet the other "glowing" reviews are family/friend related as well.***
Dawn S.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Jul 2023
As I mentioned to the renter our cleaning person did not come as arranged (we found out later do to a family emergency). We apologized for the condition, it should not have been like that and it is not our policy to have every renter clean the cabin. Our materials request simply "leave the cabin as you found it" with some basic cleaning and picking up. Yes, it's an old place and we love it. We are very sorry they had a bad experience. I was in touch with them continually on this and hope they can understand this unusual situation.
My family and best friend really loved this cabin! The set up was awesome because the adults could send the kids up stairs to play in the loft area while preparing meals. The deck was a great place to relax and have coffee in the morning.
Steven sent really specific instructions before check in. Although I did not need to contact him he seemed to be available, if needed. Other friends who saw our pictures really want to stay at this same location because it was such a cozy fit.
We stayed here with another family for a long summer weekend. The cabin and yard were spacious and easily accommodated our party of 4 adults, 4 kids, and 2 dogs. It was a good location for exploring Lake Alpine, White Pines Lake, and Calaveras Big Trees State Park and nice for relaxing in the evening among the trees. The kitchen, bathrooms, and carpets are outdated, but all in working order. The two issues that should be addressed is the ability to cool the bedrooms at night during the summer (there was only one, partially working fan in the cabin and it was not possible to let any fresh air in upstairs since there was only one sliding door without a screen) and the huge ants that kept coming into the upstairs bathroom.
Kathy K.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
About the host
Hosted by Steven Donaldson
We've co-owned Mountain House our large rustic cabin for almost 30 years now with one other family that are good friends of ours. We love the Sierras and found our cabin, which is located on a half acre amongst tall cedars and pines, a perfect place for relaxing and as a base camp for swimming with our kids, now grandkids, and for hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and in the Winter, cross country skiing. And of course, it's a perfect place for our dog. We love it up here, hope you can too.
Why they chose this property
We love the Sierras. We're native to California and know the mountains well. I'm a 4 generation Californian. My grandfather was born in Grass Valley and spent every summer in the Sierras. We particularly like the Hwy 4 area near Dorrington and Bear Valley. It's never too crowded as the Lake Tahoe area often is. And, it's only a 3-hour drive from the Bay Area. It's easy to get around and spectacular views here. It's also unique, and wonderful up in the mountains where you get all four seasons of weather in a great wooded environment.
What makes this property unique
It's rustic and traditional, not a modern place. We have a large deck facing out into the woods with massive pines and fir trees. It's a totally quiet location, very peaceful. Our cabin's interior has high ceilings that are all wood. The interior is a lot of hand-done woodwork, a wood stove, and a cozy comfortable feeling. This isn't a fancy place. It's a cabin...lots of wood and a great location! And now we've installed all new wide-plank flooring and new carpeting in the bedrooms and loft.