Rainbow Pools Swimming Hole, Yosemite, and Priest Station, Groveland

Yesterday we had a fabulous time at the Rainbow Pools swimming hole, just outside the northern end of Yosemite, 15 miles east of Groveland on the 120.

As swimming holes go, it's a beauty - with a large pool to swim in, cascading water and high rocks to jump off (see above).

Our almost eight year old son and three year old daughter, and the friends we were with, all loved it. Our son spent over an hour swimming across the pool and back again several times.

We didn't have time yesterday, but there's also a hike of about one and a half miles to a spectacular waterfall where the south and middle fork of the Tuolumne River meet.

If you're in or around Yosemite and want a refreshing break, Rainbow Pools and Falls come highly recommended!

And thanks to our good friend, Steve Anker, at Priest Station Cafe, 16756 Old Priest Grade in Groveland, for recommending Rainbow Pools. Priest Station is also well worth a visit for great food and spectacular views from the patio.

They also have four cabins available for rent on a nightly basis - and a truly historical family connection to the area, dating back to the 1850s, when the property was a miner's supply store named Rattle Snake.

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