California whitewater - Merced River, Central Sierra Nevada, Mariposa County Mariposa county, El Portal to Route 49 at Lake McClure section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS II-V     29 miles   The starting location is a reasonable drive from Madera, please print out a copy of the road map further down the page so you won’t get lost. The average California whitewater rafting or kayaking river tends to be a bit harder to master than those in other states, so if you're visiting here do keep in mind that many runs in this state are not easy. Whitewater paddling here in the Central Sierra Nevada is a great experience. The natural beauty of California and the cool fresh water are reasons enough to come here and paddle. You can enjoy this stretch     more if you take your time, so why not pack your camping stuff too. For all you camping people there are campgrounds nearby. This section of Merced River is 29 miles long and it is classified as a class II-V section by American Whitewater. This is not the only paddling section in this river system, there are others too. Some people prefer whitewater rafting and some kayaking, either way around here you'll find a large number of good places. Great exercise and a chance to spend some time outdoors will make you glad you came. Not too many hotels nearby, you'll have to drive a bit to get to one, but do book a room before you come because it is a very popular destination. Briefly about the general area: The annual precipitation here at Merced River is about average; the month of January is the wettest with most of the   rain, and July meanwhile is the driest month. For the duration of the days of summer highs here at Merced River reach the 90's. Through the dark hours of summer temperatures descend down into the 50's. For the period of the winter this place gets highs in the 50's while Merced River night low temperatures throughout the winter are in the 30's. Merced River, El Portal to Route 49 at Lake McClure road map Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked. QUICK STATS AW Class: II-V Length: 29 miles Average Gradient: 40 fpm    Putin Location Coordinates: Latitude: 37.67169 Longitude: -119.79011 Takeout Location Coordinates: Latitude: 37.61289 Longitude: -120.13121 Paddler input for Merced River, California: Submit Input: Your Name: Write or Paste Input here: Upload picture:      Input Submission Guidelines Current weather conditions at Merced River, Central Sierra Nevada, California Local climate location: SONORA R S 18 miles away RAFTING TRIP OUTFITTERS There are no whitewater outfitters currently listed for this river. Best Value Mariposa Lodge, Mariposa 9 miles away The Americas Best Value Inn- Mariposa Lodge is truly a unique 45 room lodge centered in the heart of historic Mariposa Village only 28 miles from Yosemite National Park. The property is surrounded by ... Comfort Inn Mariposa, Mariposa 9 miles away Shops and restaurants within walking distance. California State Mining and Mineral Exhibition 2 miles. Hotel located in historic Gold Country on year round highway to Yosemite National Park. Boating, ... Super 8 Motel Mariposa /Yosemite National Park Area, Mariposa 9 miles away Gateway to Yosemite National Park Enjoy Skiing, Fishing, Hiking, Golfing Complimentary Super Start Plus Breakfast Outdoor Seasonal Pool (summer only) Microwave/Refrigerator available Located...   Central Sierra Nevada Whitewater Complete list of all the whitewater kayaking and rafting spots in the Central Sierra Nevada. Central Sierra Nevada Outdoors Info Complete outdoors info for the Central Sierra Nevada. All California Whitewater Complete list of all the whitewater paddling spots in California. Books about whitewater paddling on Merced River, California List of books from Amazon.com that cover whitewater paddling on Merced River, California. Find a whitewater outfitter in California Whitewater Basics If you're new to whitewater paddling please take a look at this basic whitewater info. Outdoors Recreation Near Madera, California Very comprehensive list of a variety of outdoors recreation in the vicinity of Madera, California, the metro area neareast to Merced River. Find info on campgrounds, hiking trails, ski resorts, lakes, beaches, parks, whitewater and more.       These outdoors activities are available near Merced River.   Whitewater Near Merced River: Merced River, Mariposa County , 1 miles away, Class IV - 17 miles long (Red Bud to Bagby Reservoir) Merced River - North Fork, Mariposa County , 6 miles away, Class IV-V(V+) - 17 miles long (Greeley Hill Road to Merced confluence) Merced River - South Fork, Mariposa County , 7 miles away, Class III-IV - 7.4 miles long (Snyder Gulch to Route 140 Bridge) Tuolumne River - South Fork, Tuolumne County , 10 miles away, Class IV-V - 7 miles long (Highway 120 to Rainbow Pool Picnic Area) Tuolumne River, Tuolumne County , 14 miles away, Class IV-V+ - 9 miles long (Cherry Creek to Meral's Pool) Clavey River, Tuolumne County , 18 miles away, Class V+ - 8.5 miles long (Upper Bridge to Lower Bridge) Tuolumne River, Tuolumne County , 18 miles away, Class IV-V - 18 miles long (Lumsden Campground to Wards Ferry Bridge) Merced River, Mariposa County , 18 miles away, Class V - 4.8 miles long (Routes 120-140 Junction to Arch Rock Entrance Station) Chowchilla River, Madera County , 20 miles away, Class III-IV - 7 miles long (Road 810 to Road 800) Clavey River, Tuolumne County , 20 miles away, Class V+ - 20.8 miles long (Lower Bridge to Ward's Ferry)   Ski Areas Near Merced River: Badger Pass, California , 21 miles away, 800 vertical feet Dodge Ridge, California , 30 miles away, 1600 vertical feet Bear Valley, California , 47 miles away, 1900 vertical feet Kirkwood, California , 57 miles away, 2000 vertical feet Sierra Summit, California , 60 miles away, 1600 vertical feet June Mountain, California , 61 miles away, 2590 vertical feet Sierra at Tahoe, California , 64 miles away, 2212 vertical feet Mammoth Mountain, California , 66 miles away, 3100 vertical feet Heavenly, California , 71 miles away, 3500 vertical feet Homewood, California , 80 miles away, 1650 vertical feet   Hotels Near Merced River: Best Value Mariposa Lodge, Mariposa , 9 miles away Comfort Inn Mariposa, Mariposa , 9 miles away Super 8 Motel Mariposa /Yosemite National Park Area, Mariposa , 9 miles away Best Western Yosemite Way Station, Mariposa , 9 miles away Best Value Yosemite Westgate Lodge, Buck Meadows , 10 miles away   Camp Grounds Near Merced River: Yosemite/Mariposa KOA, Midpines, 4 miles away Yosemite Trail Campground, Midpines, 5 miles away Midpines Koa Kampground, Midpines, 6 miles away   Trails Near Merced River: Hite Cove Trail, Mariposa County , 8 miles away,  14.4 hiking miles, 1185 feet elevation difference Pilot Ridge Trail, Mariposa County , 10 miles away, 2.1 hiking miles, 1023 feet elevation difference   National Parks Near Merced River: Yosemite National Park, Yosemite National Park - CA , 21 miles away