Wassama Round House State Historic Park- California

Wassama Roundhouse State Historic Park is located near Oakhurst, California and is still used to this day by local Southern Sierra Miwok People. California State Parks manages the property and protects this vital part of the nearly destroyed culture of the Miwok.

Wassama Round House at Wassa,a Round House State Park California

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Wassama Round House State Historic Park

The Southern Sierra Miwok people have lived in this area for at least 8,000 years. They thrived in the area of the Wassama "Leaves Falling" in Miwok. 1849 saw 100,000 Americans and Europeans move to California because of the Gold Rush. The negative impacts of these gold-seekers were felt almost instantly from their commercial effects on the environment, from logging, mining, and hunting.

As the miners began to encroach upon, terrorize, and displace the native Miwok people, they finally retaliated. The response by the state-sponsored militia was to forcibly bring in the Miwok who refused to discuss peace with the federal commissioners. The militia killed any Miwok who resisted, then burned down their village and their critical acorn-storage granaries.

A once-thriving community of thousands had been reduced to 664 individual Indians remaining in Mariposa and Madera counties by 1905.

What is a Native American Roundhouse?

Native American Roundhouses can be found all over the United States. Roundhouses have long been a place for social gatherings and ceremonial meeting events like weddings and to mourn the dead. They have also been a place for guidance and healing.

The Wassama Round House

The first roundhouse documented on this site was in 1858. People used the half-buried house for traditional dances and games.

It is customary for the roundhouse to be burned when the chief died. The next roundhouse would then be erected and used until the next chief died.

Special Events and Tours

The park features special events, including the annual Gathering Day held on the third Saturday of October.

Participants can see cultural demonstrations by local Native Americans, including traditional Miwok dances and contemporary Indian arts and crafts that can be purchased.

General Park Information

The park's phone number is (209)742-7625

Address: Road 628, Ahwahnee, CA. The park is five miles northwest of Oakhurst off Highway 49.

Pets Allowed: No

Park Hours: Saturdays/Sundays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wassama Roundhouse is a historic Park, and all natural and cultural features are protected by law and may not be disturbed or removed.

Taking pictures inside the roundhouse is prohibited.

There are no garbage cans on site, practice pack-it-in, pack-it-out.

Additional Oakhurst, California, and Yosemite National Park Information & Resources

Oakhurst area lodging options

Chateau du Sureau
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Exceptional 5-star luxury accommodations south of Yosemite National Park. Includes breakfast, feww WIFI, pet friendly, air conditioning and much more! Also has an incredible restaurant o-site and a spa!

The Pines Resort at Bass Lake
🏨Ready to Book The Pines Resort -> Click Here

Bass Lake Beachfront Resort with lots of amenities, including Spa services, gym, two restaurants, bar/lounge, Airconditioning and more!

Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn
🏨Ready to Book the Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn -> Click Here

At Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn, you can look forward to a terrace, a playground, and laundry facilities. For some rest and relaxation, visit the 2 hot tubs.

Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
🏨Ready to Book The Tenaya Lodge -> Click Here

4-star eco-friendly resort near Yosemite. You can look forward to a poolside bar, a terrace, and shopping on site at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. Adventurous travelers may like the rock climbing, snowshoeing, and ice skating at this resort. Indulge in a deep-tissue massage, a body treatment, and aromatherapy at Ascent Spa, the onsite spa

Tours of the Oakhurst/Bass Lake surrounding area and to Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 1-3.5 Hours | 🚂 Check Rates and Availability

Take a train ride on the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad that is perfect for everyone including families and multi-generational groups. You will get to learn the area's amazing history with a narrated tour by the conductors! There's several options to choose from including the one-hour steam train and several special trips including the Haloween Limited, Moonlight Special, Moonlight Melodrama, and the Yosemite Jazz Train.

California Audio Tour Bundle (Get 4 Audio Tours)
⭐️ Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 days | 🔊Check Rates and Availability

With Shaka Guide's GPS Audio Tours, you are guided to hidden gems and iconic sights. Now, you can explore at your own pace without worrying about keeping up with a tour. Tours include:

Yosemite's Majestic Beauty
Death Valley's Unique Geology
Joshua Tree's otherworldly Landscapes
Lake Tahoe's Clear Waters

Yosemite Valley Tour with Transport from Oakhurst
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 hours | 🚌Check Rates and Availability

Visit Yosemite National Park on a full day tour from Oakhurst that starts early to beat the crowds, with time to see the very best of the spectacular Yosemite Valley. Take in Bridalveil Fall, Sentinel Bridge, and Half Dome, then eat lunch at the base of Yosemite Falls and spot rock climbers from the El Cappitan Meadows. Includes pick-up and drop-off at hotels in Oakhurst.

Semi-Private Yosemite Tour with Ahwahnee Lunch and Hotel Pickup/Dropoff
⭐️ Rating: 4.8 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 hours | 🚌Check Rates and Availability

This is an 8-hour tour that begins with a pick-up at your hotel or the meeting point(Denny's in Oakhurst).

The tour includes stops at Glacier Point(April-November), depending upon the weather, and several stops in the Yosemite Valley. The valley stops include Tunnel View, Bridalveil Falls, Sentinel Bridge, Chapel, Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and more!

Check out more great tours of Yosemite. Tours include hiking, snowshoeing, roundtrip tours from San Francisco, and more!