Dos Rios
The Park is currently OPEN.
Please check the hours of operation.Park Facilities
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available
Wheelchair Accessible
Welcome to Dos Rios!
Dos Rios is located on the confluence of the Tuolumne River and the San Joaquin River in the Central Valley. Where ranch life meets nature, Dos Rios is the largest and most unique floodplain restoration project in California completed by River Partners. Once farmland now restored floodplain, Dos Rios provides the perfect habitat for several protected species such as, the riparian brush rabbit, riparian woodrat, Swainson’s hawk, Central Valley Chinook salmon, steelhead trout, least Bell’s vireo, and the greater Sandhill crane. Dos Rios is also a destination for migratory birds along the pacific flyway.
As part of the planning process, the official name and park classification of Dos Rios will be determined and approved by the California State Park and Recreation Commission soon. State Parks will be providing more updates about the opening of Dos Rios in the weeks to come.
Why Are Floodplains Important?
Floodplains, often overlooked or undervalued, play a multifaceted role in maintaining environmental balance and human well-being. Below, is a list of the significance of floodplains across various domains, emphasizing their pivotal role in mitigating future flood risks, conserving biodiversity, replenishing groundwater, sequestering carbon, enhancing recreational opportunities, and fostering public health.
Mitigating Future Flood Risk: Floodplains act as natural buffers during heavy rainfall and flooding events, absorbing excess water and reducing the intensity of downstream flood peaks. When left intact, floodplains offer a valuable form of flood protection, preventing or minimizing damage to human settlements and infrastructure located in flood-prone areas such as the Central Valley. Preserving these areas as natural flood buffers is essential for sustainable flood risk management strategies.
Conserving Biodiversity: Floodplains support diverse ecosystems that are home to a plethora of plant and animal species, including many endangered and threatened. These ecosystems provide vital habitat and breeding grounds for various wildlife, contributing to the conservation of biodiversity. Moreover, floodplain restoration projects like Dos Rios can help restore degraded habitats and facilitate the return of endangered species, thereby promoting ecosystem resilience and species survival.
Replenishing Groundwater: The periodic inundation of floodplains allows for the replenishment of groundwater resources. As floodwaters infiltrate the soil, they recharge aquifers and contribute to the sustainability of groundwater supplies, which are essential for drinking water, agriculture, and ecosystem health. Protecting floodplains ensures the continued availability of this vital water source, especially in regions of California facing water scarcity and increasing demand.
Sequestering Carbon: Floodplain vegetation, such as wetlands and riparian forests, plays a crucial role in capturing and storing carbon from the atmosphere. These ecosystems act as natural carbon sinks, trapping carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and storing it in organic matter and soil. By preserving and restoring floodplain vegetation, we can harness their carbon sequestration potential, mitigating climate change and enhancing ecosystem resilience.
Enhancing Recreational Opportunities and Public Health: Floodplains offer a myriad of recreational opportunities, including hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and kayaking, which promote physical activity and outdoor enjoyment. Access to natural green spaces has been linked to improved mental health and well-being, highlighting the importance of preserving floodplain ecosystems for public health benefits. Additionally, well-managed floodplains can help reduce the spread of waterborne diseases by filtering and purifying water, thus safeguarding public health.
Restoration Efforts by River Partners
River Partners and the Tuolumne River Trust led efforts to permanently protect Dos Rios by purchasing the property in 2012. To date, an alliance of dedicated public, private, and nonprofit partnersplanted more than 350,000 native trees and vegetation along nearly eight miles of the San Joaquin and Tuolumne rivers that converge at the heart of Dos Rios. About 1,600 acres have been restored so far, and restoration work is ongoing on another 500 acres on an adjacent former farm. bsp;
River Partners has historically used existing irrigation infrastructure on the former farmland to help young vegetation endure hot dry summers as the vegetation was initially established. Bunny ramps and mounds have also been developed for endangered species, like the riparian brush rabbit, to escape to higher ground during periods of flooding. Thanks to these various restoration efforts, Dos Rios now provides large-scale habitat for endangered species such as the riparian brush rabbit, riparian woodrat, Swainson’s hawk, Central Valley Chinook salmon, steelhead trout, least Bell’s vireo, yellow warbler, sandhill crane, and an entire suite of neo-tropical migratory songbirds!
Day Use
No entrance fees during the initial opening phase; future fees to be determined.
Click on the events tab to register for guided walks and activities offered.
Go for a hike. There are two trails open for self-guided hikes. Enjoy a 3.8-mile out-and-back-hike on the Confluence Trail or walk the 1.85-mile Pond Loop Trail. Trails are subject to close due to normal, seasonal flooding.
Have a picnic. Our ramadas are along the water's edge. Bring a lunch and spend some quiet time next to the pond.
Enjoy bird watching. Dos Rios is home to some incredible bird species. Bring your binoculars and see how many species you can locate.
Speak with an Interpreter. Would you like to learn more about the area and how the floodplain forest protects people and animals? Come and visit Dos Rios and speak with a park Interpreter to learn all there is to know about this special park.
Attend an event. Dos Rios will be hosting fun filled events for everyone such as star gazing, nature walks, campfire programs and much more. Check out our social media pages and website to keep up to date on special events.
Driving Directions
Coming from Maze Blvd. (132 West)
Turn left onto Hart Rd.
Go for 2.0 mi.
Turn right onto Paradise Rd.
Go for 0.5 mi.
Turn left onto Shiloh Rd.
Go for 0.8 mi.
Cross over the River and the park entrance will be on your right. White fence along the road with signs and a large black gate. Continue down to the end of the road and turn Right.
Coming from Modesto (Paradise Road West)
Continue along Paradise Road.
Turn left onto Shiloh Rd.
Go for 0.8 mi.
Cross over the River and the park entrance will be on your right. White fence along the road with signs and a large black gate. Continue down to the end of the road and turn Right.
Coming From South (99 North Bound, East Keyes Road, West Grayson Road)
Take exit 218 toward Keyes Rd. Go for 0.2 mi.
Turn left onto E Keyes Rd (CR-J16). Go for 5.0 mi.
Turn right onto Crows Landing Rd (CR-J16). Go for 1.0 mi.
Turn left onto W Grayson Rd (CR-J16). Go for 8.1 mi.
Turn sharp right onto Shiloh Rd. Go for 2.6 mi.
In 2.5 miles after the left turning curve, the Park entrance will be on your left. White fence along the road with signs and a large black gate.
Continue down to the end of the road and turn Right.
Coming From North Bound I-5 at Patterson
Turn left onto Rogers Rd. Go for 4.4 mi.
Turn left onto State Highway 33 (CA-33). Go for 1.6 mi.
Turn right onto Grayson Rd (CR-J16) toward Grayson Rd. Go for 3.6 mi. Turn left onto Shiloh Rd. Go for 2.6 mi.
White fence along the road with signs and a large black gate.
Continue down to the end of the road and turn Right.
Coming From I-5 South / 580 East at Tracy
Take exit toward Modesto/CA-132/I-5 N onto CA-132 E. Go for 14.2 mi. Turn right onto Paradise Rd. Go for 2.8 mi.
Turn right onto Shiloh Rd. Go for 0.8 mi.
White fence along the road with signs and a large black gate.
Continue down to the end of the road and turn Right.