With so many recreational activities available in the Yosemite National Park, paddling the Merced River is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. The section of the Merced River featured in this guide is a 3-mile Class I stretch that meanders through the bottom of Yosemite Valley’s floor. Whether you are paddling a kayak, canoe, or a paddle board, the scenery you’ll enjoy is unprecedented.

As the Merced River twists and turns along the Yosemite Valley floor, paddlers are treated to views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. The current will guide your boat down the Merced River to the takeout point, leaving you plenty of time to take in the sights. This is an ideal paddling getaway for paddlers wishing to combine their love of paddling with camping and hiking.

The sheer beauty that paddlers experience as the Merced River winds its way through the scenic terrain is a once in a lifetime adventure. This stretch of the Merced River offers a pleasant paddle for kayakers, canoeists, and paddle boarders of all skill levels.

Map of the Merced River

  
 
 
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