Located between the Tuolumne and San Joaquin rivers in the heart of Central Valley and about 90 minutes east of San Francisco, Dos Rios is the first state park to open in over a decade.
What makes the 1600-acre park unique is that it’s the largest floodplain restoration project in California, and that work is meant to help prevent destructive flooding in the San Joaquin Valley, according to Dos Rios park manager, Paige Haller.
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The preserve was once owned by farmers who grew tomatoes and almonds. However, after over a decade of restoration work, it’s home to riparian brush rabbit, Chinook salmon, the greater Sandhill crane, and many other endangered animals and migratory wildlife.
“The park itself is located on the Pacific Flyway, and we’re also adjacent to the San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge. So there are a lot of interesting birds and wildlife to see,” Haller said.
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The park is dog-friendly, and visitors can enjoy hikes, guided walks with an interpreter, picnics at one of the ramadas near the riverbanks, and wildlife and bird-watching.
“Not only will the new park provide critical habitat for plants and animals, it’s also creating opportunities for people to improve their mental and physical well-being by having more access to the outdoors,” Haller said.
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Officials hope to continue improving the park in the future. They plan to create better river access for swimming, fishing, boating and other water sports, along with trails for bicycling and other outdoor recreation activities. The vision is also to provide outdoor classroom space for kids.
There are also plans for several “park after dark” programs, including things like campfire nights, guided evening walks, and stargazing. For updates on these upcoming activities, visit the park’s website or follow its social media channels.
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To help build out the new park, the public is invited to participate in the planning process at Dos Rios. “We’re in a very unique position to be able to build this from the ground up and really build it with the community, for the community,” said Danielle Gerhart, Central Valley District superintendent.
The park will open in time for the third annual California State Parks Week, which will be held June 12–16, during which it will be open to the public from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m.
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For the rest of the summer, Dos Rios is open to the public Fridays through Sundays from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. Entrance is free during this initial opening phase.
Residents with a California Public Library pass can enjoy free access to select state parks.