MODESTO — California’s newest state park, Dos Rios, officially opened to the public Wednesday.
With the handing off of a giant key from non-profits River Partners and Tuolumne River Trust to California State Parks, more than 200 people including state and local leaders, key partners, and nearby community members attended the opening celebration.
Located about 8 miles west of Modesto, the a 1,600-acre Dos Rios property is the largest public-private floodplain restoration project in California to restore habitat for threatened and endangered wildlife at the Tuolumne and San Joaquin Rivers.
“Our state parks are a point of pride and inspiration for Californians and visitors from around the world,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement issued Wednesday.
“Today, we celebrate the opening of Dos Rios – our first new State Park in a decade – which creates new outdoor recreation opportunities for Central Valley communities, provides habitat for threatened and endangered wildlife, and advances the state’s innovative efforts to combat the climate crisis using nature-based solutions.”
Here’s what the public can expect at Dos Rios that is 18 miles south of Manteca:
*Hiking and picnicking: Visitors are now able to hike some areas of the property and enjoy newly built picnic tables and ramadas.
*Bird watching: Dos Rios is the destination for birds of the Pacific Flyway and is home to some incredible bird species. Bring your binoculars and see how many species you can locate.
*Engaging with an Interpreter: Would you like to learn more about the area and how the floodplain forest protects people and animals? Speak with a park interpreter to learn all there is to know about this special park.
*Park hours: Dos Rios will be open on weekends, Friday to Sunday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can check in at the kiosk upon entry. Special events, guided backcountry hikes and guided tours will be available on ReserveCalifornia.com and at parks.ca.gov/DosRios. Dos Rios is located at 3599 Shiloh Road, Modesto.
*Dogs are welcome in the “basecamp” (day-use area). They must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet long. Please bring water for your dog.
Currently, camping is not available.
Planning for greater river access for swimming, angling, boating, and other water sports, along with trails for bicycling and other outdoor recreation activities will involve a public engagement process that includes consultation with area Tribes.
As part of the planning process, the official name and park classification of Dos Rios will soon be determined and approved by the California State Park and Recreation Commission.
In partnership with the nonprofit River Partners and Tuolumne River Trust, the restoration of Dos Rios was a 10-year, $40 million project from 11 different funding sources from the public and private sectors. This will be the first state park created since Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch State Vehicular Recreation Area in November 2014.
The opening coincided with the launch of the Third Annual California State Parks Week June 12-16.
With this year’s theme “This is Where You Live,” the public can participate in more than 200 in-person and virtual programming celebrating the state’s parks and the people who visit and help protect them.
A complete list of the week’s events and how to participate is available at CAStateParksWeek.org. In addition to the kickoff of California State Park Week, attendees toured the park and saw restoration efforts, participated in mural painting and bicycle riding, and learned how to contribute to the future of Dos Rios.
