THREE DAYS OF FUN ALONG THE MERCED RIVER
The Merced River is a focal point of Yosemite Valley. Waterfalls feed every turn of the Merced and visitors flock to its banks for picnic stops and photo ops. It can be easy to overlook what happens to this sublime body of water once it leaves Yosemite National Park, but Highway 140 holds the key. Away from Yosemite Valley, the Merced River flows wild & free through a dramatic canyon with much to explore. Here is a 4-day itinerary to help navigate where to stay, what to do and where to eat. Feel free to mix & match as you flow through the heart of Yosemite Mariposa County.
WHERE TO STAY NEAR THE MERCED RIVER?
For a comfy stay along the Merced River, Mariposa County boasts an array of hotels & motels as well as cabins. The Cedar Lodge in El Portal features indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a river walk with private sandy beach and carved bears to keep the kids company. Six miles away on Highway 140 is the Yosemite View Lodge with 335 luxury rooms & suites, many perched over a dramatic stretch of the Merced River.
If fifth wheels are your thing, there are numerous RV-friendly parks in Yosemite Mariposa.
Indian Flat RV Park is situated along the Merced River in El Portal and offers full hook-ups plus access to the swimming pool at the lodge next door.
DAY 1: ARRIVE & ACCLIMATE TO THE MERCED RIVER REGION
After getting situated in your Merced River digs, it’s time explore. A gourmet picnic along the Merced’s banks serenaded by its bubbling waters is the perfect way to say hello. Day-use picnic areas such as Red Bud, Cranberry Flat, Indian Flat, McClendon Beach and Briceburg Put-In are all great choices. Learning local history is one way to connect more deeply to your Merced River experience.
Pop History by the Center Mariposa or the Museum Northern & Mariposa County History Center (Coulterville Museum) to learn Native American, Yosemite and Gold Rush sagas from days of old. FOOD & DRINK: Day One has seen a lot of action and you are either a) excited to grill all that amazing food you brought up, or b) excited to kick back and let someone else do the cooking.
If it’s the latter, try Parkside
Pizza in El Portal, or something a bit more refined at The River
Restaurant.
DAY 2: RAFTING THE MERCED RIVER
Day Two is all about getting on the water. You’ve got some choices here depending on time of year/river conditions, how much you’re willing to spend, and – literally – how deep you want to immerse yourself.
A seasonal thrill, snowmelt from the High Sierra rumbles through the Merced River canyon creating high and fast runs (Class IV) in spring then – as the flow decreases – transforming into easy Class I ripples. Local outfitters such as Sierra Mac, OARS, Whitewater Excitement and Zephyr have years of experience running the Merced and offer half-day and full-day trips. A mile-by-mile guide to rapids with such names as Nightmare Alley, Stark Reality and Corner Pocket provides aerial view of what you’re about to experience!
FOOD & DRINK: For a little a.m. sweet treat, try Jantz Cafe in Mariposa. For your midday fare, grab a fresh sandwich to-go at the El Portal Market or book a whitewater rafting trip where lunch is included. A worthy Day Two dinner can be found at the
June Bug Cafe in Midpines, or head over to the Cedar Lodge Restaurant in El Portal.
DAY 3: HIKING THE MERCED RIVER
Day Three offers a change of pace. A day along the river instead of in it.
Lace up your boots and hit the Merced River Trail. This 5.5 mile out & back trail starts at Railroad Flat Campground. The hike features spring wildflowers and the ever-present serenade of flowing water. At trail’s end there’s a narrow spur that climbs to a seasonal waterfall, worth the effort if still running. The Merced River Trail is dogfriendly (on leash) and great for kids, just remember to bring a hat and plenty of water as there is little cover.
The 9-mile out & back Hite Cove Trail begins at Savage’s Trading Post in El Portal. This is a popular destination in spring for its abundance of over 50 varieties of wildflowers and has an elevation gain of 980 feet.
Historically significant to both native peoples and EuropeanAmericans, the Hite Cove area was used by the Ahwahneechee people in winter and spring to avoid the harsh high-elevation snow before returning to Yosemite Valley in summer. John Hite settled here in 1862 where he operated a gold mine for the next 17 years.
FOOD & DRINK: You’ve burned some calories on the trail today so it’s time to celebrate.
Head “into town” for the revolving taps of craft beer at The Grove House in Mariposa. For full dinner, go all-in at the Charles Street Dinner House.