Rustic, All-Wood Sierra Cabin in the Woods Near Arnold/Bear Valley

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Cabin

Main entry with wood stove, new flooring, couches, dog (optional). Deck on right

Mountain House cabin after a bit of snow

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

9.0

Wonderful

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 10149 sq m

Popular amenities

Pet-friendly

Washer

Barbecue grill

Kitchen

Fireplace

Dryer

Check-in time

2:00 PM

Check-out time

11:00 AM

Explore the area

Camp Connell, CA

Stanislaus National Forest1 min walk
Calaveras Big Trees State Park6 min drive
Sequoia Woods Country Club and Golf Course15 min drive

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom Loft 3

1 Single Bed, 2 Double Beds, 1 Double Sofa Bed and 1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Kitchenette

Outdoor play area

Dining Area

About this property

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.

Property manager

Steven Donaldson

Languages

English

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Pet-friendly

Free WiFi

Outdoor space

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Pet-friendly

House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

We do expect parents to be responsible safety

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)

We insist you do not leave pets alone in the cabin

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

No smoking within the house at any time

Important information

You need to know

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

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

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 Arnold Rim Trail and Sequoia Woods Country Club and Golf Course. Leland Meadows and Twain Harte Miniature Golf are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Camp Connell, CA

What's nearby

Stanislaus National Forest - 1 min walk
Calaveras Big Trees State Park - 6 min drive
Sequoia Woods Country Club and Golf Course - 15 min drive
Sierra Nevada Logging Museum - 16 min drive
White Pines Lake - 16 min drive

Getting around

Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) - 146 min drive

Restaurants

‪The Lube Room Saloon - ‬5 min drive
‪Fairway View Lounge - ‬15 min drive
‪Snowflake Lodge Restaurant - ‬13 min drive
‪Snack Bar - ‬13 min drive
‪The Restaurant - ‬15 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.

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 steps from Stanislaus National Forest and 3 mi (4.8 km) from Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Arnold Rim Trail and Sequoia Woods Country Club and Golf Course are also within 9 miles (15 km).

9.0

Wonderful

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

7.8/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.2/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Michelle P.

4 July 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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.

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

jeanine c.

13 June 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Disliked: Check-in

Lovely relaxing cabin in the trees

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.

Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Eric H.

4 Apr 2023

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Disliked: Cleanliness

Cozy stay

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!

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

Nick

4 Apr 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

8/10 Good

Katie H.

8 Mar 2023

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stay

Stay was perfect for the weather, lots of snow at the house.

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nina M.

26 Jan 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great spot to relax in the snow!

Super cozy cabin with all you need for a weekend away

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sang P.

18 Jan 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

great winter getaway

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!

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

ELLEN H.

17 Jan 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy getaway near Bear Valley

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!

Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Erin K.

11 Jan 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great cabin

Stayed here with a group of 9 and we had a great time , all fit comfortably would def stay here again

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kiki Z.

30 Nov 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice Vacation

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.

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

8/10 Good

Patrick B.

22 Aug 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Pleasant

It was exactly as described. Actually a little better. Only one mishap. One of the entry steps broke during the stay.

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Carla R.

18 Aug 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cabin Retreat

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.

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

Kathy K.

11 Aug 2022

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Long Weekend with Friends and Dogs

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.

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Bill E.

31 July 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location for adventure

Quiet and comfortable. Close to amenities, but far enough away for a peaceful stay.

Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

8 July 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful surroundings, plenty of room, sleeping accommodations and a nice kitchen

A very charming mountain retreat. A fine place to rest, relax and enjoy nature.

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Summer H., Stockton, California

27 June 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Even better than we expected

This cabin was awesome and the area is absolutely beautiful! It was nice and clean and fully stocked with everything we needed besides food. There were toys for my son and plenty of books to read if you're looking to relax in peace and quiet. We had such a nice vacation! I just want to say thank you to Steve, for allowing us to rent your cabin for the weekend, we loved every second! We will definitely be back for a winter trip!

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

6/10 Okay

Gayle D.

31 May 2022

Liked: Check-in, communication, location

Disliked: Cleanliness

Nice but not clean

Cute cabin, but not well maintained. There was rotting food in the fridge, mold in the bathroom, broken screen door, broken microwave panel, and a very poopy mouse leaving its business everywhere. The cabin has a list of cleaning requirements, however not enough cleaning supplies were made available to complete the list. The owner explained they hired a new cleaning service, that’s why everything was in bad shape. If that is true, I hope they are able to negotiate a refund, because the place was very messy… but also why are we tasked with cleaning if there’s a cleaning service…

Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

8/10 Good

ron a.

21 Apr 2022

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Disliked: Cleanliness

a bit dusty

A bit dated but very quaint and would stay again....

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

6/10 Okay

Mitchell G.

15 Apr 2022

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Disliked: Cleanliness

Wedding stay

The inside looked as if no one had been there for some time. A lot of spider webs through out the house. Food left in the fridge, but other than that I enjoyed the house and the kids loved it as well

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

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.

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Eva M.

15 Mar 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

It was nice and very cozy

It was my first time going thought Vrbo and it was so easy. And the owner sent me detail directions to the cabin and instructions. I would Definitely rent this cabin again.

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

27 Feb 2022

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Disliked: Cleanliness

Great location

Rustic cabin is great location for easy access to ski area.

Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2022

8/10 Good

Susan B., Lodi

13 Feb 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Rustic and spacious.

Rustic and spacious with no frills, but great location and comfy.

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Laurie M.

28 Jan 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place to stay near Bear Valley

Great location to Bear Valley and Arnold. Plenty of space for all. Everything you need in the kitchen. Very responsive host.

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kurt A., Lodi

9 Jan 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

This place is AWESOME!

Everything was great! The driveway was a little sketchy because of the snow/ice but after a little digging and compromising with the cars we were fine. A TON of snow up there. It had everything you could want for a nice stay - tons of room. We would definitely go back!

Stayed 7 nights in Jan 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.