The Merced River (pronounced "mer-SED") is in California. Its headwaters are in the southern half of Yosemite National Park. The river flows into Yosemite Valley. Much of the water is stored behind the New Exchequer dam in Lake McClure, and diverted by the Merced Irrigation District at the Crocker-Huffman diversion dam. The remainder of the water flows southwest through foothills, and then across the San Joaquin Valley to join the San Joaquin River.

The Merced River is protected under the National Wild and Scenic Act. It is free flowing until Lake McClure and tends to flood in the winter and spring, and then reduce to a mere trickle in the late summer and fall. Highway 140 runs along part of the Merced River and is the main road into Yosemite National Park. Numerous recreational opportunities are available along the Merced River including fishing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, camping, hiking, swimming, and picnic areas.

Image:Emerald Pool, Silver Apron, and Nevada Falls in Yosemite.jpg|The Emerald Pool and Silver Apron, with Nevada Falls in the background Image:Vernal Falls Rainbow.jpg|Vernal Falls Image:Vernal Fall 08776.JPG|Vernal Falls in Yosemite National Park Image:Merced River in Yosemite.jpg|The Merced River flowing through the Yosemite Valley