California State Parks is in the process of classifying and preparing a General Plan for the Dos Rios property. This Classification and General Plan Project will work towards naming the property as a new park in the California State Park system. This process also involves the development of a General Plan for the new park, and subsequent Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The process began in the Spring of 2025 and it is expected to take three to five years to complete.
Use the menu at the top of the page to know more about the different steps throughout the process, to find information on how to get involved, and to access additional resources.
The Dos Rios property includes approximately 1600-acres of land located at the confluence of the Tuolumne and San Joaquin Rivers. This places it within Stanislaus County, between the cities of Modesto and Patterson.
The Dos Rios property today is a large floodplain, but up until very recently, this area was still being used for farmland like much of the surrounding area. In 2012, two groups, River Partners and the Tuolumne River Trust, began working to acquire the property and permanently protect it. Since then, it has been restored to its natural state as a floodplain, which provides numerous benefits to the environment and human life.
This has involved planting native trees and vegetation, as well as efforts to provide habitats for endangered species in the area. These steps aid in conserving biodiversity in the area and promoting environmental resilience.
As a floodplain, the site also helps to maintain environmental balance. The property helps to mitigate flood risks in the Central Valley by creating a natural buffer during heavy rains and flooding events. This also allows for groundwater replenishment, which is critical for safe drinking water and agriculture.
Dos Rios is currently open to visitors on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 7am to 5pm and on Monday holidays. Visitors are invited to enjoy the two hiking trails that are open, picnic along the water’s edge, spend some time bird watching, or attend one of the organized special events.
Help shape the future of the Dos Rios property! Your thoughts and feedback are an important part of the Classification and General Plan process. Information on opportunities for you to participate can be found on the Participate page.
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