Frequently Asked Questions
1. How far is the cottage from the National Park?
The cottage is located 4 miles from the main entrance station to the Park. The Foothills Visitor Center is just a few miles past the entrance station. You will drive another 45 minutes, and go up 5000 feet, to reach Giant Forest. The cottage is in the foothills at 1200 ft.
2. How do I find the cottage?
When the deposit is made for your reservation, you will be sent a pdf file that includes a map and directions for finding the cottage. It’s located at the end of Skyline Drive, a mile from Hwy 198.
3. Does the cottage have an internet connection?
WiFi internet via satellite is available with limited data use. The speed is fast, but because of the limited data, movie streaming does not work. Guests are allowed 1gb per day. Cell phones using ATT can be used for hot spots.
4. Do cell phones work at the cottage?
ATT is the only cell phone service (so far) that works fairly well in Three Rivers. Also, Consumer Cellular and Jitterbug work because they piggyback off of ATT. There is a land line in the cottage that offers unlimited long distance for the US only.
5. What is your cancellaton policy?
Half of the total reservation amount is required for a deposit on VISA, MC or Discover. The second half will be charged to your credit fourteen days in advance of your arrival date. No refund or credit will apply if you cancel on or after fourteen days in advance. If you cancel before forteen days in advance, then your deposit will be applied as a credit for another reservation time, which must be used within 12 months of the date of your cancellation. Only one re-scheduling is allowed per deposit hold. Deposit credit cannot be used for any holiday periods
6. How many beds in the cottage and what size are they?
There is a queen bed in the bedroom area and fold down full sized futon couch in the living room. The extra bed will be made up for you in advance for parties of more than two persons.
7. Do I need to bring my own towels and sheets?
The cottage provides all linens, along with shampoo, shower gel, lotion in the bathroom. There is also a hair dryer, iron, small ironing board, laundry soap for hand-washing.
8. Can I cook in the kitchen and where can I buy groceries?
The kitchen is fully equipped for cooking, with a propane stove, full-sized refrigerator, coffee maker and microwave. No outside BBQ is provided for fire safety reasons.
For groceries, there is the Village Market in Three Rivers that is stocked fairly well for last minute items. I do recommend that guests buy groceries before they get to Three Rivers.
Three Rivers • Village Market on Hwy 198 MAP HERE
Visalia • Save Mart with easy on/off Hwy 198 MAP HERE
Bakersfield • Trader Joe’s MAP HERE
Fresno • Trader Joe’s MAP HERE
9. Are there any trails or hikes near the cottage?
The Case Mountain Recreation Area, public land, via the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), is located a short walking distance from the cottage parking area. This area has become the premier hiking area for locals and visitors. Many foot trails and mountain biking trails are a favorite experience for guests. During the spring, this area is profuse with blooming native wildflowers. Many trail guides and nature books can be found in the cottage. Elsah, your host, is a founding member of the local California Native Plant Society and can answer questions about the local flora and fauna.
From the Bureau of Land Management BLM website:
“The recreation area includes dozens of miles of mountain bike, foot, and equestrian trails, picnic tables, and endless opportunities for wildlife observation, photography, and exploration in the foothills of the Sierras.
Case Mountain Extensive Recreation Management Area (ERMA) contains the only Sequoia grove complex managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The groves are located on Case Mountain, approximately 7 miles southeast of the town of Three Rivers, California. The complex is comprised of six distinct sequoia grove units, which total about 444 acres.
The area is also part of the nearly 20,000 acre Kaweah Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) designated in the Bakersfield Resource Management Plan for protection of the Case Mountain giant sequoia groves, other sensitive plant and animal species, riparian areas, and cultural resources. Note: It is over 10 miles and 6,500 feet of elevation gain to the Case Mountain grove from the Skyline Drive trailhead. Access to other groves in the complex requires permission to cross private property on the summit of Case Mountain. All public access to Case Mountain ERMA is non-motorized.”
Lake Kaweah, a flood control lake managed by the Army Corps of Engineers, has season boating and fishing opportunities. During the fall and early winter months, hiking is available in the dry lake bed. Birdwatching is wonderful at this time, as many migrating birds stop in the lake basin. During the summer, when the lake is full, the lake offers houseboat rentals. The lake is located about ten miles from the cottage. Visitors circle around Lake Kaweah when driving into Three Rivers along Hwy 198.
View of Case Mountain. from the cottage…
♥ Cort Cottage 