Merced River, Yosemite National Park

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Although ice cold in spring, by August parts of the Merced River are surprisingly war and a great place for kids to splash and play. The alpine river has a sandy bottom along the area of meadows in Yosemite Valley, and when seen from above, like at "Swinging Bridge", the water is beautifully is crystal clear and clean. Rafts are available for rental and they float past the bridge in regular intervals. In the past, a large number of campgrounds occupied either side of the river, but these have been reduced somewhat and meadows and forest areas restored.

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If you're into walking, you've come to the right place. You can hike the flats, you can climb the hills, you can follow rivers, it's simply a great place for stretching the legs and it caters for all levels.
On this particular walk you get to follow the Merced, you get to see one of my favourite American trees, the Pacific Dogwood, that just happened to be in bloom while I was in Yosemite (pic 4).
It's quite amazing how you can be so near traffic yet so far away and it's a simple walk yet, as previously hinted, it's one of hundreds.

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The Merced River is the knife in Yosemite granite's butter. It has slowly eroded the valley in modern geological times after the receding glaciers had left their massive scars. It is the noise that permeates the background; it is the effervescence beside you as you drive along; it is the sparkle that glints in the sunlight; it is one of the life sources of Yosemite.
However, in my limited research, I hadn't even heard of it. It's not a landmark so much as a constant companion. Yet, at times it has also been dangerous. Dozens of people have drowned in the river's at times icy waters.

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Parralling the western entrance to Yosemite is the Merced River, not an impressive river by any means, but the setting of the forest covered hills and the gentle sweep of the small valley does give it the feelling of a "small" majesty all its own. There are places where is sweeps over exposed rocks and you can just enjoy a short break to watch and listen.

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The Happy Isles are on the Merced River. From the Yosemite shuttle bus, you exit at the Happy Isles stop to hike the Mist Trail (which leads to Vernal and Nevada Falls). So take a few minutes to visit these charming little islands in the river. Check out the Gaging Station. It contains a set of instruments that measure the water's temperature, speed, composition, and other characteristics.

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The Merced River flows down through Little Yosemite Valley, down Nevada and then Vernal Falls, to Yosemite Creek. The Mist Trail follows this valley. It's not only the falls that are beautiful, but also the views along the way. Don't forget to stop every so often, look back down the valley, and admire the spectacular scenery.

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If you spend any time in Yosemite Valley, you'll know this river. It runs right through the middle, and just upstream are Vernal Falls, and then Nevada Falls. My favorite areas are upstream of Nevada Falls, but that's a hike.

One of the scenic areas in the park are the views of the Merced River. It is one of the most photographed spots due to its serene location. Its locale can be found on a good map of the park.