Mountain House, nestled at 5,200 feet in a forest of large cedars and fir trees, offers the perfect retreat from the San Francisco Bay Area. Enjoy downhill skiing in winter or kayaking and canoeing on nearby Lake Alpine during summer months with high ceilings and an all-wood interior that add to its rustic charm.
Reviews
9.09.0 out of 10
Wonderful
Entire cabin
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 10149 sq m
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free Wi-Fi
Outdoor space
Add dates for prices
About this property
Rustic, All-Wood Sierra Cabin in the Woods Near Arnold/Bear Valley
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 amenities
Ski
Cross-country skiing nearby
Snowboarding nearby
Internet
Available in the cabin: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Car required
Parking on site
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Hob
Kitchen island
Kitchenette
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
3 bedrooms
Sofa bed
Bathroom
2 bathrooms
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Living room
Wood stove
Entertainment
Books
DVD player
Games
Music library
Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
Stereo
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Outdoor furniture
Patio
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Welcoming dogs only
Up to 23 kg per pet
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Limited housekeeping
Phone
Location highlights
In a rural location
In the mountains
On a lake
Things to do
Birdwatching nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Hunting nearby
Kayaking nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Mountain climbing nearby
Rafting nearby
Rock climbing nearby
Sailing nearby
Sledding nearby
Snowmobiling nearby
Spelunking nearby
Swimming nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Winery tours nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
An adult aged 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
No smoking within the house at any time
Pets
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total (up to 23 kg per pet)
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property on the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: We insist you do not leave pets alone in the cabin
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Note from host: We do expect parents to be responsible safety
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
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
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number TOT-0224
We should mention
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
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 Sequoia Woods Country Club and Golf Course and Bear Valley Cross Country and Adventure Company. Leland Meadows and Twain Harte Miniature Golf are also worth visiting. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, or try out other outdoor activities such as snowmobiling and sledging. Visit our Arnold travel guide
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. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much is parking at Rustic, All-Wood Sierra Cabin in the Woods Near Arnold/Bear Valley?
On-site parking is available at the property.
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 3 mi (4.8 km) from Calaveras Big Trees State Park and within 9 miles (15 km) of Arnold Rim Trail and Sequoia Woods Country Club and Golf Course. Sierra Nevada Logging Museum and White Pines Lake are also within 9 miles (15 km).
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Rustic, All-Wood Sierra Cabin in the Woods Near Arnold/Bear Valley Reviews
Reviews
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
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.
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.
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!
ELLEN H.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2022
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Steven D.
10 Apr 2015
Wonderful! Woods! Nice Deck Too!
We couldn't have had a nicer time. My husband and kids just loved every minute. And, thank the gods for Netflix at night. Was so easy to be here. Felt like our other home in the mountains!
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!
Sang P.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023
Verified
8/10 Good
Jen S.
3 Jan 2019
Warm family cabin
It was a great peaceful place. The only bummer was the wifi stopped working on our last night there because the bill wasn't paid according to the notification. This was a big deal since we didn't have any cell reception and the wifi was the only way to communicate with anyone. Either way my family and I really enjoyed our stay and would come back for a fun family vacation again and again! Thank you for a wonderful stay.
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.
This is a great location if you want to get away from the city. We had a good and relax time during our stay.
Very rustic which is awesome and toys for the kids and wifi is strong, kitchen well equipped. We visited lakes nearby and state park.
Do not expect it will perfectly clean its a cabin expect some dust and spider web. Kitchen carpet is old.
Overall we are happy and have a chance to relax which is that's our goal. Thank you Steve for letting us to stay in your beautiful cabin.
>18 mins drive away to garbage disposal.
Maricel O.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021
Verified
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.
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!
Eric H.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023
Archival
6/10 Okay
Amanda G.
28 July 2016
Great location, helpful host, cabin in need of a little TLC
The location of this cabin couldn't be better. We loved being under 30 minutes from hiking, lakes, fishing, swimming, and groceries. The area is beautiful and not overly crowded- even the weekend of the 4th of July.
Our host was responsive and prompt. He replied to questions quickly and sent lots of information ahead to make our stay better
The cabin itself was spacious enough to accommodate 6 adults and a toddler. We were able to prepare meals easily in the kitchen. However, it is in need of a little TLC. Carpets and closets could use a deep cleaning to rid the place of some long seated dust and cobwebs. Mattresses and sofas could use some updating to make the place cleaner and more comfortable.
Amanda G.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2016
Verified
8/10 Good
Jessika H.
7 Apr 2019
Old homey cabin
Over all we are happy with the cabin. It was very quiet, peaceful, conveniently located and priced well with pleanty of beds for us to sleep comfortably. Having to cleanup (wash & put away dishes, wash & put away towels, haul out trash and vacuum) was fine with us but I am wondering why I am still being charged a cleaning fee if there are no house cleaners. We left the house cleaner then when we got there. Besides the coffee pot not working (we are coffee addicts, that was a big bummer), there not being any dry firewood or kindling to make a fire, and the downstairs toilet leaking, we enjoyed our stay in this old homey cabin. Thank you.
Jessika H.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Erik S.
16 Jan 2018
Good cabin, maybe needs some updates
I personally loved this cabin, however there where a few quirks, quite a few of the chairs had been repaired several times, and at best feel a little precarious. One was broken when we arrived at the cabin. The twin bed upstairs was in a sad state and should probably be replaced. Along with that the downstairs bedroom I was in the blinds still let the light in during the morning, I am a light sleeper so this was a bit of a nuisance.
Still despite all this I would heartily stay here again. It's a comfortable cabin that has a lot of rustic charm. The upstairs would be great if you have a lot of kids and need to get rid of them. Also I can confirm this cabin does in fact have smoke detectors.
Erik S.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2017
Archival
4/10 Poor
yaron y.
18 Jan 2017
Not recommended - Look for other alternatives
The cabin does have a lucrative rate, however this is what we got for this price -
* Upon arriving Found that all the sheets and towels , including the blankets were all dirty and haven't been washed. We had to start wash all of them. The owner's response? "really sorry" . It is adequate to offer a compensation, as cleaning fee was included in the price of the cabin
* Some mattresses are Old metal spring mattresses in a really bad shape. It was so bad our kids refused to sleep on that claiming it hurts their back. And kids do not have too high standards when it gets to mattresses
* You have to drive 15 miles to the closest trash dumping station. This should be clearly mentioned. A party of 8 generates a good amount of trash in 3 days.
* There is no smoke detector (there's one broken in the drawer). This is a wood cabin to remind you
* There is a pretty thick layer of dust everywhere - the owner does say "there is a lot of dust in this area" but I don't think anyone is opening windows in December when it 25 degrees outside. This looks more like really not cleaning the cabin at all
* Last one - took the owner 3 weeks to return the damage deposit (we got a message from him he was satisfied with how we returned the cabin , so it was clear it was not due to him assessing damage), including us needing to call Homeaway to try and get him to process the deposit back. This is not how you treat your clients
On a positive note, the cabin is quite roomy and we loved the flat screen tv and Netflix. Great location if you targeting a ski vacation in the nearby bear valley ski resort (about 25 mins drive)
Bottom line - would not recommend staying here. Look for other alternatives
yaron y.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2016
Verified
2/10 Terrible
Dawn S.
22 Mar 2018
CHEAP RATE FOR A FILTHY CABIN......BEWARE
Received the “welcome” packet with the key a few weeks prior to our weekend getaway. I noticed it stated renters to clean prior to vacating.....dusting, vacuuming sweeping, moping, bathroom sinks, toilets, washing all towels....even though there's a cleaning fee. Most cabins call for the standard straightening up, removing trash, and leaving dirty towels in the laundry room. I also read that we would have to take our trash to a nearby trash facility which is about 20 min away so I contacted the owner and his response was that this was on his posting clearly noted and actually it’s not otherwise I would have never rented this place. He apologized for the misunderstanding but what could I do, it was already too late to cancel.....then he tells me that the dishwasher is broken and that a door seal is on order but won’t be in until March so we would also have to wash dishes!!
On our way, the owner texts me and ask me could I dispose two bags of trash that was left by the previous renter, that his cleaning lady doesn’t dispose trash of and that he apologizes for the inconvenience.....I said sure.
Now the check in.....we get there around 8:30pm and walk in to yes, it’s an old cabin but that wasn’t the problem. I love old and rustic but what I don’t like is a filthy cabin. Nothing had been cleaned. Dust everywhere, dirty kitchen & bathrooms down to urine and pubs on the seats, pennies and debris all over the carpet, dirty tissue on the floor, old food in the fridge and no sheets on the beds even though the listing shows "linens provided". I called the owner and was sorry and said the listing was inaccurate about the sheets. I told him we would clean but I wanted the cleaning fee refunded and fire his cleaning lady....he agreed to the refund. So after hours of cleaning and finding a few flat sheets to wash, we covered the stained urine and old blood mattresses and crashed. Beds, by the way, are horrid.
We left the next day after a few hours of snow play even though we were paid up for the weekend. We cleaned our messes, even vacuumed and removed all trash from the cabin but we left the trash at the curb with the previous renter's trash. The cabin looked better than we found it. The security deposit was refunded quickly but not the cleaning fee.....surprise surprise.
***Oh read all the reviews, the owner left himself a glowing review....HILARIOUS! I bet the other "glowing" reviews are family/friend related as well.***
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.
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.