Dos Rios State Park

Dos Rios State Park is a leading example of natural infrastructure that increases flood safety and climate resilience in the San Joaquin Valley. In its first year, the park welcomed over 10,000 visitors and now offers more than 15 miles of backcountry trails, hiking, kayaking, fishing, and swimming access to support healthy communities in the most park-starved region of California. After 10 years and $40 million from 11 different funding sources, this is a long-awaited and much-needed green space.

Our collective efforts at Dos Rios united stakeholders from diverse sectors who worked together for years to grow a thriving river forest on a reconnected floodplain where it had once been lost and disconnected.

Julie RentnerPresident, River Partners

Dos Rios State Park is considered the blueprint for our future river restoration efforts for both wildlife and people. For over a decade, River Partners led the transformation of 2,100 acres of former flood-prone farmland into thriving floodplain habitat—reconnecting eight miles of river, plus four miles of sloughs, removing 10,000 cubic yards of bank-hardening concrete debris from riverbanks, and planting more than 350,000 native trees and vegetation.

Restoration reintroduced seasonal flooding to over 1,000 acres here, providing critical habitat for terrestrial and aquatic wildlife. And by allowing overbank flooding, Dos Rios State Park replenishes approximately 7,000 acre-feet annually, helping recharge depleted aquifers and dedicating more water to the San Joaquin River for struggling species and ecosystem health. During large dam releases, the restored floodplain is able to absorb up to 10,000 acre-feet of floodwater. This natural sponge acts as a shock absorber against damaging flows, reducing flood risk and avoiding costly damage to downstream communities like Manteca and Stockton, whose annualized flood damages are expected to reach $1.2 billion.

From the beginning, the community has benefited from Dos Rios State Park. From opportunities to discover the riparian forest to native plant exploration and identification, the site also features picnic areas, exhibits and programs, guided tours, and nature and wildlife viewing. A 3-acre Native Use Garden was created in 2021, and features plants used in Indigenous basketry and other cultural practices. A federal conservation easement ensures Native California Peoples can freely access the land forever, restoring connection to traditional resources and culture.