Wonderful Waterfalls and Wildflowers 2023 Photo Contest Winners

We were floored by the memories shared from our Spring photo contest, Wonderful Waterfalls and Wildflowers.

Our hearts are warm as we thank all who shared, and casted their votes. Your participation not only makes it fun for us, but keeps everyone #YosemiteDreaming when they need it most.

Here we congratulate the winners and share a few honorable mentions that we loved. We hope you do too!

Winners With the Most Votes

1st Place: Peter B.

987 Points

Yosemite Falls
Prize: 2-night stay    

PB: “Yosemite Falls, Merced River, June 2023”

EL: We’re going to be coming back to this picture for years to come – we still can’t believe how high the Merced River got!

Wonderful-Waterfalls-and-Wildflowers-flip.to-1st-EGL

Runner Up: Adrienne N.

633 Points

Wedding Day
Prize: 1-night stay

AN: “Our wedding at the Evergreen Lodge October 12, 2013 just after the fire. The Evergreen Lodge was spared and although everything else around it was burned all of our friends and family gathered and we had the most wonderful weekend! We planted a tree for rebirth of the forest 🌳. Thank you Evergreen Lodge for the memories, still the best day of our lives 10 years later.”

EL: This one’s tugging at our heart strings. Words can’t begin to express how thankful we are to have been a part of this special day in your lives. We can’t wait to welcome you all back to see how your little tree has grown!

Wonderful Waterfalls and Wildflowers flip.to 2nd EGL

Runner Up: Ryan S.

432 Points

Nature’s Fountain
Prize: 1-night stay

RS: “Drinking up the beauty of Yosemite Falls”

EL: How refreshing! We can’t stop smiling at this!

Wonderful Waterfalls and Wildflowers flip.to 3rd EGL

Some Honorable Mentions You’ll Love

Tunnel View by George M.

GM: “We woke up early to watch the sunrise from Tunnel View. It was a bit cloudy, but the view was still spectacular!”

EL: You know what they say, the early bird catches the epic Tunnel View sunrises! 

Tunnel View flip.to (George M. 2023)
Free Soloing by Markus A.

MA: “This photo was taken in Camp4. Funny story behind: Due to my weight I am not able to climb a mountain. But there is this smaller rock laying in front of the bigger “midnight lightning” boulder in Camp4. If you lay on the rock and rotate your camera, it looks like you are climbing.”

EL: This is such a great tip – you had us convinced! And let us be the first to tell you that anyone can climb mountains!

Rock Climbing Funny flip.to (Markus A. 2023)
Family Hike by Jessica B.

JB: “Enjoying the waterfall spray at Hetch Hetchy during our Evergreen Lodge stay! We threaded the weather needle perfectly in mid April 2023: the glorious week between too much snowpack and too much snowmelt! 😉

EL: Isn’t it wonderful when things work out that well! Hetch Hetchy is the perfect place to explore late winter, early spring.

Family Hike at Hetch Hetchy flip.to (Jessica B. 2023)
Family River Day by Alaina H.

AH: “We had the most magical family vacation. We loved staying at Evergreen lodge and exploring Yosemite. We can’t wait to go back!”

EL: We can’t wait to welcome you all back for many more amazing adventures!

On Top of the World flip.to (Jurate D. 2023)
There’s More…

Anytime you need a little Yosemite sunshine in your day, Visit the Gallery

New Photo Contest: Yosemite Fall Colors

It’s time to get inspired, Yosemite style!  While we’re all #YosemiteDreaming of visiting again soon, let’s share our most inspiring photos of past Yosemite visits.

It’s easy to enter here:
Yosemite Fall Colors

Who knows? You might just win a free stay at the Evergreen soon!

Your Next Yosemite Adventure

Meanwhile, if you’re ready to plan your next Yosemite visit, be sure to check out our Packages and Special Offers page for the best deals and most convenient bundles. Or just give us a call at (209) 379-2606 or email us at info@evergreenlodge.com and we’ll happily help you arrange the ideal visit for you and your loved ones.

When you book directly with us here on this web site, on the phone, or by email, you’re guaranteed to get the best rates and service.
Keep in mind that the Evergreen re-opens after winter break each year on President’s Day Weekend.

Happy trails!

Yosemite Fall Fun 2022 Photo Contest Winners

Wow! So many great guest photos and memories from our Fall photo contest, Yosemite Fall Fun.

From the leaves changing colors and the first snow fall of the year, there was truly something for everyone this time around.

Thank you to all who shared, and to all who cast their votes. Your participation not only makes it fun for us, but it helps everyone keep #YosemiteDreaming when they need it most.

Here we congratulate the winners and share a few honorable mentions that we loved. We hope you do too!

Winners With the Most Votes

1st Place: Marie H.

772 points

That Start of Something New
Prize: 2-night stay    

MH: “We got engaged!!!!”

EL: Congratulations of your proposal and the start of your life together! Thank you so much for choosing to share such a special moment with us.

Marie-H.-Fall-Photo-Contest-2022-

Runner Up: Isa G.

527 Points

Tavern Pool Fun
Prize: 1-night stay

IG: “The community feel was so warm and welcoming. The staff was helpful, kind and made the space feel like a home away from home.”

EL: We are so happy to hear that your experience in the lodge went so well and look forward to hosting you again in the future!

Isa-G.-Fall-Photo-Contest-2022

Runner Up: Stephanie L.

348 points each

Conquering Half Dome
Prize: 1-night stay

SL: “It’s the perfect getaway that combines the right amount of seclusion, natural beauty, comfort, style and fun amenities. All in one of my favorite places on earth.”

EL: Congrats on hiking up to the top of Half Dome! It is one of the most amazing views of the valley and such a rare sight.

Stephanie-L.-Fall-Photo-Contest-2022

Some Honorable Mentions You’ll Love

Yosemite Valley Relaxation, by Melissa W.

MW: “My husband took me to Yosemite before Christmas – our favorite time of year to visit… We can’t wait to return to Evergreen”

EL: We are so happy to be able to help bring you some relaxation before you go on to take on 2023. We look forward to seeing you again in the future!

Melissa-W.-Fall-Photo-Contest-2022
Anniversary Under El Capitan, by Maria B.

MB: “My husband and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary in Yosemite and I made this Xs and Os quilt for him. I gave the quilt to him at Evergreen Lodge and we took it to Yosemite with us. This looked like a good spot for a quilt in the wild photo!”

EL: You could not have picked a better location for a relaxing day than under the tower cliffs of El Capitan.

Maria-B.-Fall-Photo-Contest-2022
She Came In Like A Wrecking Ball, by Lizzy H.

LH: “She came in like a wrecking ball! Our 3 year old daughter could not get enough of the wrecking ball swing at Evergreen! It was the first thing she wanted to do each morning and last thing she wanted to do every night!”

EL: This is absolutely adorable. The pure happiness along with the smallest hint of panic on her face was a perfect way to capture trying new activities when you are visiting Evergreen Lodge.

Lizzy-H.-Fall-Photo-Contest-2022
Rare Sighting of Yosemite Majestic Bobcats, by Jason S.

JS: “We spotted this beautiful Bobcat walking the Vernal Falls trail.”

EL: WOW!!! You really got lucky with this one. The bobcats are such a rare sight. Thank you so much for sharing this amazing experience with wildlife you had.

Jason-S.-Fall-Photo-Contest-2022
Butterfly Photo Bomb, by Kelly C.

KC: “Got a butterfly photo bomb on Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne backpack trip just after leaving Evergreen.”

EL: We hope you and your little friend that decided to join you enjoyed your backpacking trip!

Kelly-C.-Fall-Photo-Contest-2022
There’s more…

Anytime you need a little Yosemite sunshine in your day, Visit the Gallery

New Photo Contest: S’more Yosemite Fun

It’s time to get inspired, Yosemite style! While we’re all #YosemiteDreaming of visiting again soon, let’s share our most inspiring photos of past Yosemite visits.

Who knows? You might just win a free stay at the Evergreen soon!

Your Next Yosemite Adventure

Meanwhile, if you’re ready to plan your next Yosemite visit, be sure to check out our Packages and Special Offers page for the best deals and most convenient bundles. Or just give us a call at (209) 379-2606 or email us at info@evergreenlodge.com and we’ll happily help you arrange the ideal visit for you and your loved ones.

When you book directly with us here on this web site, on the phone, or by email, you’re guaranteed to get the best rates and service.
Keep in mind that the Evergreen re-opens after winter break each year on President’s Day Weekend.

Happy trails!

Colors of Yosemite 2021 Photo Contest Winners

From stunning reflections and winter wonderlands to just the cutest little critters, there was truly something for everyone this time around.

Thank you to all who shared, and to all who cast their votes.  Your participation not only makes it fun for us, but it helps everyone keep #YosemiteDreaming when they need it most.

Yosemite Inspiration 2021 Spring Photo Contest

Wow! So many great guest photos and memories from our Spring photo contest, Yosemite Inspiration.
From little adventurers to wintry Half Dome, full moon mornings to family vacations, there was truly something for everyone this time around.

Thank you to all who shared, and to all who cast their votes.  Your participation not only makes it fun for us, but it helps everyone keep #YosemiteDreaming when they need it most.

Here we congratulate the winners and share a few honorable mentions that we loved.  We hope you do too!

Winners With the Most Votes

1st Place: David S.

1545 points

Sitting on Top the World
Prize: 2-night stay

GS: “Sitting on Top of the World at Sentinel Dome In addition to all the activities, relaxing, and great food at Evergreen, we do love our jaunts into Yosemite! A favorite family tradition.”

EL: Congratulations on your big win, David, and a big thank you to all your friends and family who participated in the contest. Way to capture a cuteness overload moment that will be cherished for so many years to come.  

David S. - Spring Photo Contest 2021

Runner Up: Veronica R.

1014 points

Wintry Half Dome
Prize: 1-night stay

II: “View of Half Dome”

EL: Winter in Yosemite may be one of the underrated seasons to visit! We love everything the winter has to offer from snowshoeing and skiing to bluebird skies and snowmen! But this snowy shot gives Half Dome a whole new look. 

Veronica R. - Spring Photo Contest 2021

Runner Up: Daniel L

613 points

Morning Moon
Prize: 1-night stay

DL: “Taken out the window of our cabin, Cedar 11, on the morning of April 26.”

EL: There’s definitely something special to see each hour of the day at Evergreen and Yosemite. From sunrises to sunsets, every moment has something to capture! Especially this calm morning with the glow of the moon… truly a time of serenity. 

Daniel L. - Spring Photo Contest 2021

Some Honorable Mentions You’ll Love

February Firefall, by Antenor M.

AM: “Firefall 2021 an awesome adventure”

EL: We love this glowing picture of Firefall! One of our favorite parts of the winter season is the excitement for this annual natural occurrence, thanks Antenor for sharing this golden hour moment with us. 

Antenor M. - Spring Photo Contest 2021
Hetch Hetchy Wildlife, by Marilyn S.

MS: Back at the lodge… “We loved Evergreen! Friendly, helpful staff, good food, lot’s to do. We got snowed in one day. Didn’t matter we played disk golf in show shoes, won prizes at bingo, warmed in the hot tub, played chess by the fire, toasted marshmallows and had great food and drinks.”

EL: Wildlife alert! We love seeing so many pictures of wildlife in Yosemite. Hetch Hetchy is quite the hotspot to see all types of creatures from this cute (but not harmless) bobcat to deer and bear! Great shot! 

Marilyn S. - Spring Photo Contest 2021
Tavern Fun, by Leah B.

LB: “Root beer with dinner at Evergreen Lodge!”

EL: There’s nothing better than unwinding after a day in Yosemite at Evergreen Tavern. That first sip of root beer must’ve been a refreshing and sweet moment! Such a cute pic!

Leah B. - Spring Photo Contest 2021
There’s More…

Anytime you need a little Yosemite sunshine in your day, Visit the Gallery

New Photo Contest: S’more Yosemite Summer Fun

It’s time to get inspired, Yosemite style!  While we’re all #YosemiteDreaming of visiting again soon, let’s share our most inspiring photos of past Yosemite visits.

It’s easy to enter here:
S’more Yosemite Summer Fun

Who knows? You might just win a free stay at the Evergreen soon!

Your Next Yosemite Adventure

Meanwhile, if you’re ready to plan your next Yosemite visit, be sure to check out our Packages and Special Offers page for the best deals and most convenient bundles. Or just give us a call at (209) 379-2606 or email us at info@evergreenlodge.com and we’ll happily help you arrange the ideal visit for you and your loved ones.

When you book directly with us here on this web site, on the phone, or by email, you’re guaranteed to get the best rates and service.
Keep in mind that the Evergreen re-opens after winter break each year on President’s Day Weekend.

Happy trails!

Evergreen Centennial Gazette Summer Edition

The Evergreen Lodge was originally developed to facilitate building of the O’Shaughnessy Dam in Hetch Hetchy Valley. Though no definitive records exist, spoken history indicates that the Evergreen was founded by a man who worked on the Hetch Hetchy Railroad, which was principally built to haul people and materials to and from the Hetch Hetchy dam construction site. In the early years, the Evergreen was a post office, restaurant and general store. Lore has it that moonshine was brewed in the basement of the lodge during Prohibition.

In the late 1920’s, the Evergreen was purchased by Roy & Stelle Thornton, who built the Main Lodge that we know today. In the mid-1930’s, the lodge was sold to Dan & Angie Rovero of San Francisco. Rovero had previously operated the Groveland Hotel and took over the Evergreen to capitalize on the boom during the construction operation that raised the height of the Hetch Hetchy Dam in the late 1930’s. Business thrived during this period as local workers took advantage of three illegal slot machines.

During this time, the Rovero’s added a Standard Oil gas station in front of the lodge. While the pumps are long since gone, the original gas station still stands today.

In 1952, the Evergreen was sold to Jack & Katherine Garrison, who were friends with and had worked for the Roveros. Under the Garrisons’ ownership, the lodge offered a grocery store, liquor sales, soda fountain, dining room, bar, gasoline, auto repair services and bait & tackle sales, although some cabins still had no running water. One weekend a month in summers, the Garrisons would hire a four-person orchestra to play on the patio, where the General Store now stands.

In 1975, the Evergreen was purchased by John Bargmann, a retired Berkeley fireman. John revitalized the business and added 8 cabins to the 10 that still remained. For the next 25 years, Bargmann’s life revolved around the Evergreen. He met his wife, Kay, at the lodge, married her at Camp Mather’s Birch Lake and raised his kids here too.

We acquired the lodge in late 2001 and since then have re-envisioned, expanded and revitalized the Evergreen, adding 72 cabins, rec center, game room, swimming pool, main plaza and much more. We have since established our innovative, self-funded Youth Employment Program, a unique social impact element of the lodge.

We are proud and excited that the Evergreen and its new sister property, Rush Creek Lodge, now offer all-around lodging and guest experiences unparalleled in the Yosemite area. We hope everyone who stays with us has an amazing visit.

Brian Anderluh & Lee Zimmerman, Owners

100 Ways to Celebrate Our 100th

Lodge staff and guests have compiled a list of 100 Ways to Celebrate Our 100th that includes a mountain of activities for explorers of all ages to enjoy throughout the year. See how many you can tackle! Here are a few to get you started, and this QR code takes you to the full list! If you can’t conquer them all during your stay with us, you can always come back again!

 
Fun at the Lodge

#28 Roast S’mores by the outdoor fire
#9 Explore the Centennial Scavenger Hunt (maps at Rec Desk)
#15 Head to Coyote Hill for an outdoor family movie night
#2 Indulge in hot tub stargazing!
#10 Break par on our Forest Disc Golf Course

 
Memory Lane

#83 Pose for a photo with our historic life-sized cut-outs
#86 Show off your limited edition 100th anniversary keepsake bag – free with your stay!
#87 Share your Happy Birthday message on social media
#88 Get a limited edition 100th anniversary hat or t-shirt in our general store
#90 Post a card to a friend in our historic mailbox, made from railroad ties used on the Hetch Hetchy Railroad and a wood-burning stove chamber that originally warmed the tavern

 
Eat, Drink & Be Merry

#34 Try our take on a 1920’s classic dish, Chicken à la King
#36 Take your Happy Hour to new heights at Hetch Hetchy’s dramatic Lookout Point
#29 Order a “Warren Waffle” in honor of waffle-loving 1921 U.S. President Warren G. Harding
#35 Get the secret password and join one of our speakeasy nights
#32 Enjoy a box of See’s Candy from our store – also celebrating their 100th this year!

 
Out and About in Yosemite

#43 Take a refreshing swim at Carlon Falls
#49 Treat yourself to free Yosemite Park admission – Happy Birthday National Park Service! (August 25)
#52 Retrace history on our Yosemite Valley Stage Coach Road Naturalist Hike
#46 Spot the rainbow in the canyon below the O’Shaughnessy Dam
#44 Enjoy a fun-filled, scenic Bike & Hike to Granite Gorge

Historic Sites Around Evergreen Lodge

Carlon Falls

In 1916, the original Carl Inn was built by Dan and Donna Carlon on the banks of the South Fork of the Tuolumne River. At the time, this was the route of the main road into Yosemite, and the Carl  Inn capitalized on the new found freedom of auto travel. Unfortunately, the location was no match for Mother Nature, with various historic accounts of rebuilding following fire, flood and snow over the years. The Carl Inn was torn down for good in 1940. The hike to Carlon Falls along the South Fork of the Tuolumne River is a local’s favorite. Please visit our Front Desk or Recreation Desk for directions and more details.

 
Hetch Hetchy Reservoir

The dam was constructed to provide water and electricity to San Francisco and the Bay Area. The project was completed in 1923 despite vehement opposition from John Muir, a Yosemite Pioneer and founder of the Sierra Club. Muir once stated about the Hetch Hetchy valley that, “no holier temple has ever been consecrated by the heart of man.” Often called the sister of Yosemite Valley, Hetch Hetchy is not to be missed. Whether you are an engineering buff who will marvel at the feat of the O’Shaughnessy Dam or a naturalist exploring the trail to Wapama Falls, we invite you to visit this breathtaking beauty right in our back yard.

 
Peach Grower’s Railroad Grade

This historic railroad tied into the larger Hetch Hetchy Railroad, which helped haul people and goods for the construction of the O’Shaughnessy Dam. Simultaneously, Peach Growers operated a mill that made packing crate material and used the rail line for transport to California Central Valley Fruit Farmers. One of the old Peach Growers rails is actually used to hold up the Evergreen’s mailbox! This historic trail is flat but not fancy, so be ready to step over a few logs. It’s a half-mile trail that parallels Evergreen Road, ending at the old the Peach Growers property. Visit our Recreation Desk for all the details.

 
Camp Mather

Now a family summer camp run by the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department, Camp Mather was originally constructed to house the workers building the O’Shaughnessy Dam. The lake at Camp Mather, now known as Birch Lake, was once a millpond for the logs hauled on the Hetch Hetchy railroad and used as forms for the
new dam.

Did You Know?

In the 40’s, gas at the Evergreen service station sold for a whopping 35 cents per gallon, which was double the price charged in town. That was not nearly as risqué as several illegal slot machines and a bar open until 2AM. Rumor has it these slot machines, hidden behind a false bar wall, were once robbed, but the police were not called as the penalties for gambling were greater than the cost of the heist! Some staff have confessed to finding nickels and dimes from fallen slot machine winnings in the cracks of the Tavern floorboards.

Make yourself at home in the Tavern and look for clues from the past, like burn marks on the floor where a wood- burning stove once stood. This old stove was removed years ago and found new life as the lodge mailbox across the road from the old gas station. Wander through the framed photos of Evergreen’s rich history. Fortunately, much of the Tavern landmarks live to tell colorful tales. It’s up to you to make friends who can fill you in on the secrets…

~Wet your Whistle ~

The Smoking Bandit

A variation on the Roaring 20’s era cocktail The Last Word, a gin-based concoction originally served at the Detroit Athletic Club.

More recently, Evergreen Bar Manager Brandon Smith was intrigued by the modern substitution of Mezcal Tequila for the traditional ‘bathtub gin’ base.  During Prohibition, Americans frequently crossed the southern border into Tijuana where over 100 bars freely sold Mezcal. We imagine that Mezcal was a welcome change from bathtub gin back then, leading to the invention of The Smoking Bandit, an uncommon combination of strong flavors that somehow ended up tasting delicious together.

Combine equal parts:
~ Mezcal ~
~ Green Chartreuse ~
~ Luxardo ~
~ Lime Juice ~
Preparation:
Shake and serve strained up, garnished with a floating Luxardo cherry

 
Mint Julep

The official drink of the Kentucky Derby since 1938.

“Juleps” have been around for hundreds of years, originally as sweet drinks that were used to administer medicine.  Today we know the Mint Julep as a refreshing Spring treat that has been the official drink of the Kentucky Derby since 1938, where they still serve about 120,000 Mint Juleps each year.

If you’d like to skip the alcohol, replace the bourbon with club soda or another favorite sparkling water, and enjoy your mocktail!

Ingredients
~ 2 oz bourbon ~
~ 1⁄4 oz simple syrup ~
~ 8 mint leaves ~
~ crushed ice ~
Preparation:
Muddle mint leaves and simple syrup in the bottom of a julep cup, then add bourbon and pack with ice. Swirl contents in cup until it gets frosty, then add more ice. Garnish with a sprig of mint and enjoy!

 

You can try these delicious beverages for yourself at The Evergreen Tavern!

From the Kitchen

Can you imagine a world where no one ever heard of quinoa and kale salads? During the era of speakeasies, flappers and mobsters, celery stuffed with pimento cheese was the height of sophistication and everyone thought flapjacks were the bee’s knees.

A marshmallow roasting fad was spreading throughout summer resort towns across America. Newspapers popularized the marshmallow roasts as an “excellent medium for flirtation” because of the shared experience.  Candy makers soon followed with Mallomars and Moonpies, cousins to the campfire S’mores that officially debuted in a 1927 Girl Scout guidebook. We’re keeping the tradition alive for you each night here at the lodge!

In the spirit of our centennial, you’ll see some fun additions to our menus this year. We’re doing our own take on 1920’s classics like Waldorf Salad, Chicken à la King and Hangtown Fry. Of course, breakfast will feature fancy waffles in honor of 1921 waffle-loving U.S. President Warren G. Harding.

 

Bon appetit!

Evergreen Centennial Gazette Spring Edition

The Evergreen Lodge was originally developed to facilitate building of the O’Shaughnessy Dam in Hetch Hetchy Valley. Though no definitive records exist, spoken history indicates that the Evergreen was founded by a man who worked on the Hetch Hetchy Railroad, which was principally built to haul people and materials to and from the Hetch Hetchy dam construction site. In the early years, the Evergreen was a post office, restaurant and general store. Lore has it that moonshine was brewed in the basement of the lodge during Prohibition.

In the late 1920’s, the Evergreen was purchased by Roy & Stelle Thornton, who built the Main Lodge that we know today. In the mid-1930’s, the lodge was sold to Dan & Angie Rovero of San Francisco. Rovero had previously operated the Groveland Hotel and took over the Evergreen to capitalize on the boom during the construction operation that raised the height of the Hetch Hetchy Dam in the late 1930’s. Business thrived during this period as local workers took advantage of three illegal slot machines.

During this time, the Rovero’s added a Standard Oil gas station in front of the lodge. While the pumps are long since gone, the original gas station still stands today.

In 1952, the Evergreen was sold to Jack & Katherine Garrison, who were friends with and had worked for the Roveros. Under the Garrisons’ ownership, the lodge offered a grocery store, liquor sales, soda fountain, dining room, bar, gasoline, auto repair services and bait & tackle sales, although some cabins still had no running water. One weekend a month in summers, the Garrisons would hire a four-person orchestra to play on the patio, where the General Store now stands.

In 1975, the Evergreen was purchased by John Bargmann, a retired Berkeley fireman. John revitalized the business and added 8 cabins to the 10 that still remained. For the next 25 years, Bargmann’s life revolved around the Evergreen. He met his wife, Kay, at the lodge, married her at Camp Mather’s Birch Lake and raised his kids here too.

We acquired the lodge in late 2001 and since then have re-envisioned, expanded and revitalized the Evergreen, adding 72 cabins, rec center, game room, swimming pool, main plaza and much more. We have since established our innovative, self-funded Youth Employment Program, a unique social impact element of the lodge.

We are proud and excited that the Evergreen and its new sister property, Rush Creek Lodge, now offer all-around lodging and guest experiences unparalleled in the Yosemite area. We hope everyone who stays with us has an amazing visit.

Brian Anderluh & Lee Zimmerman, Owners

100 Ways to Celebrate Our 100th

Lodge staff and guests have compiled a list of 100 Ways to Celebrate Our 100th that includes a mountain of activities for explorers of all ages to enjoy throughout the year. See how many you can tackle! Here are a few to get you started, and this QR code takes you to the full list! If you can’t conquer them all during your stay with us, you can always come back again!

 
Fun at the Lodge

#28 Roast S’mores by the outdoor fire
#6 Ride one (or both) of our zip lines
#21 Throw a ringer in horseshoes
#83 Pose for a photo with one of our fun, historic life-size cut outs
#26 Find a giant sequoia on property (hint: ours are still young)

 
Seasonal Fun

#67 Join us March “19-21” to formally kick off our 100th season while welcoming the first day of Spring
#69 Head to the Main Plaza for a classic Easter Egg Hunt (April 4th)
#89 Enter our centennial photo contest for a chance to win a return stay
#30 Toast to Women’s History Month with a fun flapper cocktail or mocktail (March)
#12 Will you be lucky enough to build a snowman? Give him a corn cob pipe!

 
Eat, Drink & Be Merry

#34 Try our take on a 1920’s classic dish, Chicken à la King
#36 Take your Happy Hour to new heights at Hetch Hetchy’s dramatic Lookout Point#29 Order a “Warren Waffle” in honor of waffle-loving 1921 U.S. President Warren G. Harding
#33 Say “cheers” with a speakeasy cocktail or mocktail in the Tavern
#38 Toast the spring season with mint julep

 
Out and About in Yosemite

#40 Visit our oldest friends, the giant sequoias in the Merced and Tuolumne Groves#
#41 Visit the historic Hetch Hetchy displays as you walk across the O’Shaughnessy Dam
#52 Retrace history on our Yosemite Valley Stage Coach Road Naturalist Hike
#46 Spot the rainbow in the canyon below the O’Shaughnessy Dam
#42 Treat yourself to free park admission on April 17th, the first day of National Park Week

Historic Sites Around Evergreen Lodge

Carlon Falls

In 1916, the original Carl Inn was built by Dan and Donna Carlon on the banks of the South Fork of the Tuolumne River. At the time, this was the route of the main road into Yosemite, and the Carl  Inn capitalized on the new found freedom of auto travel. Unfortunately, the location was no match for Mother Nature, with various historic accounts of rebuilding following fire, flood and snow over the years. The Carl Inn was torn down for good in 1940. The hike to Carlon Falls along the South Fork of the Tuolumne River is a local’s favorite. Please visit our Front Desk or Recreation Desk for directions and more details.

 
Hetch Hetchy Reservoir

The dam was constructed to provide water and electricity to San Francisco and the Bay Area. The project was completed in 1923 despite vehement opposition from John Muir, a Yosemite Pioneer and founder of the Sierra Club. Muir once stated about the Hetch Hetchy valley that, “no holier temple has ever been consecrated by the heart of man.” Often called the sister of Yosemite Valley, Hetch Hetchy is not to be missed. Whether you are an engineering buff who will marvel at the feat of the O’Shaughnessy Dam or a naturalist exploring the trail to Wapama Falls, we invite you to visit this breathtaking beauty right in our back yard.

 
Peach Grower’s Railroad Grade

This historic railroad tied into the larger Hetch Hetchy Railroad, which helped haul people and goods for the construction of the O’Shaughnessy Dam. Simultaneously, Peach Growers operated a mill that made packing crate material and used the rail line for transport to California Central Valley Fruit Farmers. One of the old Peach Growers rails is actually used to hold up the Evergreen’s mailbox! This historic trail is flat but not fancy, so be ready to step over a few logs. It’s a half-mile trail that parallels Evergreen Road, ending at the old the Peach Growers property. Visit our Recreation Desk for all the details.

 
Camp Mather

Now a family summer camp run by the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department, Camp Mather was originally constructed to house the workers building the O’Shaughnessy Dam. The lake at Camp Mather, now known as Birch Lake, was once a millpond for the logs hauled on the Hetch Hetchy railroad and used as forms for the
new dam.

Did You Know?

In the 40’s, gas at the Evergreen service station sold for a whopping 35 cents per gallon, which was double the price charged in town. That was not nearly as risqué as several illegal slot machines and a bar open until 2AM. Rumor has it these slot machines, hidden behind a false bar wall, were once robbed, but the police were not called as the penalties for gambling were greater than the cost of the heist! Some staff have confessed to finding nickels and dimes from fallen slot machine winnings in the cracks of the Tavern floorboards.

Make yourself at home in the Tavern and look for clues from the past, like burn marks on the floor where a wood- burning stove once stood. This old stove was removed years ago and found new life as the lodge mailbox across the road from the old gas station. Wander through the framed photos of Evergreen’s rich history. Fortunately, much of the Tavern landmarks live to tell colorful tales. It’s up to you to make friends who can fill you in on the secrets…

~Wet your Whistle ~

The Smoking Bandit

A variation on the Roaring 20’s era cocktail The Last Word, a gin-based concoction originally served at the Detroit Athletic Club.

More recently, Evergreen Bar Manager Brandon Smith was intrigued by the modern substitution of Mezcal Tequila for the traditional ‘bathtub gin’ base.  During Prohibition, Americans frequently crossed the southern border into Tijuana where over 100 bars freely sold Mezcal. We imagine that Mezcal was a welcome change from bathtub gin back then, leading to the invention of The Smoking Bandit, an uncommon combination of strong flavors that somehow ended up tasting delicious together.

Combine equal parts:
~ Mezcal ~
~ Green Chartreuse ~
~ Luxardo ~
~ Lime Juice ~
Preparation:
Shake and serve strained up, garnished with a floating Luxardo cherry

 
Mint Julep

The official drink of the Kentucky Derby since 1938.

“Juleps” have been around for hundreds of years, originally as sweet drinks that were used to administer medicine.  Today we know the Mint Julep as a refreshing Spring treat that has been the official drink of the Kentucky Derby since 1938, where they still serve about 120,000 Mint Juleps each year.

If you’d like to skip the alcohol, replace the bourbon with club soda or another favorite sparkling water, and enjoy your mocktail!

Ingredients
~ 2 oz bourbon ~
~ 1⁄4 oz simple syrup ~
~ 8 mint leaves ~
~ crushed ice ~
Preparation:
Muddle mint leaves and simple syrup in the bottom of a julep cup, then add bourbon and pack with ice. Swirl contents in cup until it gets frosty, then add more ice. Garnish with a sprig of mint and enjoy!

 

You can try these delicious beverages for yourself at The Evergreen Tavern!

From the Kitchen

Can you imagine a world where no one ever heard of quinoa and kale salads? During the era of speakeasies, flappers and mobsters, celery stuffed with pimento cheese was the height of sophistication and everyone thought flapjacks were the bee’s knees.

A marshmallow roasting fad was spreading throughout summer resort towns across America. Newspapers popularized the marshmallow roasts as an “excellent medium for flirtation” because of the shared experience.  Candy makers soon followed with Mallomars and Moonpies, cousins to the campfire S’mores that officially debuted in a 1927 Girl Scout guidebook. We’re keeping the tradition alive for you each night here at the lodge!

In the spirit of our centennial, you’ll see some fun additions to our menus this year. We’re doing our own take on 1920’s classics like Waldorf Salad, Chicken à la King and Hangtown Fry. Of course, breakfast will feature fancy waffles in honor of 1921 waffle-loving U.S. President Warren G. Harding.

 

Bon appetit!

Yosemite Photo Contest Staff Picks

Our Fall Photo Contest, Favorite Yosemite Memories, is still under way, but we wanted to brighten everyone’s holidays with some staff favorites that are making us smile and look forward to Evergreen’s re-opening February 12th.