[35] With its annual floods, the Stanislaus River supported a wide area of perennial and seasonal wetlands, including the extensive tule marshes (tulares) in the area of the San Joaquin River, which were host to an abundance of game animals, birds and migratory fish that in turn supported particularly high Native American populations. Saturday - Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. In the following decades, travel over Sonora Pass declined heavily. Stretching from the foothill to alpine regions of the Sierra Nevada, it consists of rugged narrow canyons and ridges with an average local relief of 2,000 feet (610m) or more from river to rim. Stanislaus River - 48 Miles. There were extensive wetlands and riparian zones along waterways with a canopy of cottonwood, sycamore and valley oak. Be safe and stay out of the river. [31], Humans first arrived in the Sierra Nevada of present-day California more than 10,000 years ago. Suite D U.S. Army Corps of Engineers The main areas are at Horseshoe Park, Valley Oak Recreation Area, and McHenry Recreation Area. The Stanislaus River park system provides multiple areas for adventurers to camp. Revamped in the last decade, the park houses a boat ramp and a large playground for kids. It is going to be a another fantastic show! The Annual Pass is good for one year from the date of purchase. Goodwin Dam Recreation Area, part of Stanislaus River Parks, offers a variety of outdoor recreation experiences. [168] The Sand Bar and Mt. [42] In the spring of 1827 Smith's party camped on the Laquisimes River near present-day Oakdale, having reportedly cached 1,500 pounds (680kg) of beaver pelts nearby. [11] These early waterworks were crudely built and often failed, sometimes with tragic results. The Stanislaus River is one of the most popular commercial rafting rivers in California! Lower Stanislaus River Conditions Check River Flow In 2016, this plan was able to conserve 75,000 acre-feet (93,000,000m3) of water. Cowell and N.S. [158][159] Images and documents of rafting during this time can be found at the Stanislaus River Archive. Stanislaus County Department of Parks and Recreation acquires, develops, and maintains recreation areas serving every segment of society, including the disabled and the economically disadvantaged, in ways that will provide the best possible experience for people to enjoy the outdoors at the most reasonable cost. [161], The North Fork is the highest-elevation commercially run river in California, and is also considered one of the most difficult runs in the state with thirteen rapids at Class IV or above. Two of the reservoirs, Donnells and Beardsley, were to be built at high elevations (4,900 feet (1,500m) and 3,400 feet (1,000m), respectively), affording huge hydroelectric potential. [135][136] The Stanislaus River is habitat for aquatic furbearers including beaver, river otter, and mink, which were extensively trapped for their fur during the 19th century. [33] The Miwok had a predominantly hunter-gatherer lifestyle, although they also practiced some primitive agriculture and controlled burning of grassland to enhance their hunting grounds. [44], After the initial defeat, Vallejo returned with a force of "107 soldiers, some citizens, and at least fifty mission Indian militiamen" armed with muskets and cannon, but again fought to a draw. The use of motorized boats is limited. Youll learn about the salmon life cycles and how they swim up the Stanislaus River, as well as about the Native American culture of Northern California. [24] The higher elevations are mostly federal Forest Service land and designated wilderness, while the middle elevations are a patchwork of state, federal and privately owned land. Yes Dogs are welcome at the park but not allowed on trails, in the river, on beaches, and must always be on a leash. Goodwin Dam is located below Tulloch Reservoir. California's Central Valley is just a short drive away from a variety of top skiing . [68] The new Dardanelle Bridge was built in 1933 to replace an older span constructed in 1864 and provide better access to the tourist areas. [67] The road became part of the state highway system in 1901 and was improved in 1906 to service the construction of Relief Dam in the headwaters of the Stanislaus River. Mission San Jos was the destination of many Miwok from the Laquisimes River area. The series of 16 small parks managed by the Army Corps of Engineers starts at Goodwin Dam and ends at River's End Recreation near the confluence of the Stanislaus and San Joaquin rivers. The Corps Annual Pass gives unlimited access to day-use areas at any Corps project and is good for one year from the date of purchase. may not be accurately translated due to the limitations of the translation software. [46] According to popular legend, Estanislao would carve an "S" in a tree after his attacks, and was an inspiration for the fictional character Zorro. [138], The Stanislaus River provides habitat for native anadromous fish, particularly Chinook (king) salmon, and steelhead, which spend their adult lives in the ocean but must return to fresh water to spawn. The state has recommended that 40percent of the spring runoff be allowed to flow down the river; some environmental groups have pushed for as much as 60percent. The Stanislaus River serves as a recreational site for all types: family friendly rafting trips can be found on the water in Knights Ferry and Oakdale, and adventure seekers can find world-class whitewater rafting trips on the North Fork of the Stanislaus. [184], Stanislaus River at the historic covered bridge in. Lower Stanislaus River Conditions The Stancounty.Com website has been translated for your convenience using translation software powered by Google Translate. About a week later, after having made their way up the rugged North Fork canyon, they crossed Ebbetts Pass, becoming the first people of European descent to cross the Sierra. Within the historic district, lies Knights Ferry Recreation Area, home to the longest covered bridge west of the Mississippi River and a National Historic Landmark dedicated in 2014. [44], During the 1840s, many American settlers emigrated to the Central Valley of what was still Mexican-controlled California, seeking to claim the area's fertile farmland. [60] Knights Ferry became the seat of Stanislaus County that same year, until Modesto took its position in 1872.[61]. [85][86], Shortly after their formation, the districts issued $1.9 million in revenue bonds to finance the dam and canal infrastructure that would supply the land. [34] The "Walla Walla" term was also associated with other peoples in the region, because of their practice of digging in the earth for edible roots. Area also is home to the Army Corps of Engineers local museum that includes local history displays as well as that of local flora and fauna. Not all of these rights are in use today (many belong to defunct mining or power companies). Deliver vital engineering solutions, in collaboration with our partners, to secure our Nation, energize our economy, and reduce disaster risk. [8] Below New Melones, the river flows through the smaller Tulloch Reservoir before reaching Goodwin Dam, the oldest dam on the river (completed 1913) where large volumes of water are diverted for irrigation. [63] They built a ditch at a cost of $1.5 million (five times the original estimate), went bankrupt shortly after, and was ultimately sold to the Tuolumne County Water Company at a small fraction of the original cost. Within 35 min drive, campers can explore the historic town of Knights Ferry, rich with history of the gold rush era. The Stanislaus River is one of the most popular commercial rafting rivers in California! To make reservations you do need to book at least 2 weeks in advance (Army Corp rule), and there are parking restrictions, so please try to carpool to the camp site area. Although gold mining was initially concentrated on the American and other rivers to the north, attention was drawn to the Stanislaus in August 1848 after a Native American party under Charles Weber discovered gold on the river. All day use facilities, campgroundsand the visitor center are open to the public. Improve this listing Why? (209) 826-1197 Park Hours Year-round day use 8:00am to sunset Dogs Allowed? The climate was also cold enough to support large glaciers in the Sierra Nevada at elevations above 4,000 feet (1,200m). [25] Much of the private timber land has been subject to checker-board clearcutting, which has greatly fragmented wildlife habitat. Restroom and BBQ access points are located within the park. [101] Afterwards, dam opponents focused on limiting the level of the new reservoir, even as dam construction was completed in 1978. [27] As the mountains rose the Stanislaus River established its modern course, carrying away the volcanic material that had filled the ancestral canyon. . The area near the river is also home to a vast range of tree and plant species. [173] The upper Stanislaus also includes parts of two major wilderness areas. The Stanislaus irrigation districts contend that diverting water for fish damages the local economy, especially in years of drought. The private land is marked by a barbed wire fence blocking the trail. Simple map to Stanislaus River Parks The Stanislaus River supports a diverse ecosystem, and is home to dozens of species of mammals. Stanislaus River Parks Success Lake All day use facilities, campgrounds, visitor centers and project offices are open to the public. Drinking water is available only at the McHenry Avenue Recreation Area. N of Modesto 10 mi via CA 99. Bring your own or rent equipment from one of several local concessionaires. The high flow is expected to last longer than the past several years. [114] In addition, the Melones Project is obligated to provide water to the Stockton East Water District, which irrigates an additional 51,000 acres (21,000ha) north of the Stanislaus River, and the Central San Joaquin Suggest edits to improve what we show. Visitor Center Hours: [94][98], The New Melones project is well known for a legal battle between environmentalists, the state of California and the federal government which began in the 1970s as recreational whitewater rafting exploded in popularity. [105] The state and environmentalists agreed to compromise the lake level at 26percent of its design capacity, which hydrological studies determined was the optimal volume for fulfilling demands along the Stanislaus without losing too much water to evaporation and flood releases. [21] Annual precipitation varies from 20 inches (510mm) in the valley regions to 50 inches (1,300mm) or more at higher elevations; at elevations above 5,000 feet (1,500m) most precipitation falls as snow. Individual sites are for boat-in only. [14] The water flow varies widely from year to year, with a historic maximum of 2,950,000 acre-feet (3.64km3) or 4,100 cubic feet per second (120m3/s) in the 1983 water year and a minimum of 155,000 acre-feet (0.191km3) or 210 cubic feet per second (5.9m3/s) in 1977. [83] The original Melones Dam, completed 1926, was a 211-foot (64m) tall concrete arch structure capable of storing 112,500 acre-feet (0.1388km3) of water, enough to irrigate 144,000 acres (58,000ha) of land for a single season but too small to provide carry-over storage for drought years. Visitors have a unique opportunity to make reservations with local rafting companies to journey down the Stanislaus River. - Fri. 8:30 to 4:00 Ranger Districts Summit Mi-Wok . [142] Between 2000 and 2009, about 55percent of the Stanislaus River unimpaired flow was released from Goodwin Dam into the lower river, far more than the historical average of 39percent. In late summer and autumn, river flows are lower and the power plants are typically only operated several hours a day, on a peaking basis. [149][150] In 2017, the independent environmental consulting group FISHBIO released a study showing that the number of outmigrating fish may not be as strongly related to artificial pulse flows as previously thought. [183] Caswell Memorial State Park covers 258 acres (104ha) along the lower Stanislaus River and is home to one of the last native riparian oak woodlands in the Central Valley. [147] The districts objected because releasing water in the spring would cut drastically into their supply, as state regulations require that a certain volume of water be retained in New Melones for fall fish releases. For website corrections, write to spk-pao@usace.army.mil, An official website of the United States government, Camping reservations can be made now through, Central Valley Integrated Flood Management Study, Englebright & Daguerre Point dams fish habitat, Regional and Programmatic General Permits, Read the Knights Ferry Bridge Closure News Release, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil, From Goodwin Dam to Horseshoe Road: No motors allowed, Horseshoe Road Recreation Area to Orange Blossom Recreation Area: Electric motors only, Orange Blossom Recreation to Highway 120 Bridge (Oakdale): 10 Horsepower gas motors / 5 MPH speed limit, Highway 120 Bridge (Oakdale) to San Joaquin River: No restrictions. [81] In 1925 the districts issued $2.2 million of bonds to build a storage dam on the Stanislaus River. [22][171], About 520 square miles (1,300km2) of the upper Stanislaus basin is within the Stanislaus National Forest,[172] which provides a wide range of outdoor recreation including fishing, camping, backpacking, horseback riding, mountain biking and snowmobiling. In its natural state the Stanislaus had a major spawning run in the late spring (AprilJune) and smaller runs in the fall and winter. [27] The lower course of the river is geologically young, dating to no earlier than the Holocene; the river has continually cut new channels through its sediments and filled in older ones, creating a sequence of river terraces. Any discrepancies or differences created in the translation are not binding and have no legal effect for compliance or enforcement purposes. Senior and Access Pass holders also receive a 50 percent discount on campsites at Corps-managed campgrounds. [102][103], As a result, the state of California under Governor Jerry Brown (who also objected to New Melones on economic grounds) issued a temporary limit in November 1980 to keep the lake level below Parrott's Ferry Bridge, which marked the lower end of the Stanislaus whitewater. Originally inhabited by the Miwok group of Native Americans, the Stanislaus River was explored in the early 1800s by the Spanish, who conscripted indigenous people to work in the colonial mission and presidio systems. From Modesto, California, take McHenry Avenue north. Wildlife is also plentiful in the park with mule deer, acorn woodpeckers, scrub jays, foxes and squirrels among lots of other fauna.. Other highlights on the river include a large variety of wildlife (including yearly spawns of the endangered Chinook-Salmon), a storied history that dates back to the gold rush and beyond, and beautiful riparian scenery. It is believed that a Hudson's Bay Company trapping expedition inadvertently introduced malaria into the Central Valley in 1832. Tricks to find the perfect rig. Use of campgrounds, group shelters and playgrounds is still prohibited and all project offices remain closed to visitors. Knights Ferry Rec. Hiking: 2130 Project Name: Spring Gap-Stanislaus Hydroelectric Project", "Public Collaborative Group Successfully Completes 4 Year Effort to Protect and Restore Stanislaus River", "Observed and Potentially Occurring Amphibian and Reptile Species of the Stanislaus River", "Observed and Potentially Occurring Mammal Species of the Stanislaus River", "Observed and Potentially Occurring Bird Species of the Stanislaus River", "Overview of the Prehistory of the Stanislaus National Forest", "Fish Species by Location - 'Town of Oakdale-Stanislaus River', "Case Study Report #50 & 50A: New Melones Unit Project (including Goodwin Dam), Stanislaus River", "Population History, Stanislaus River: 19522015", "Draft Environmental Impact Statement: New Melones Lake, Stanislaus River, California", "Study Shows Fall Flows Down The Stan Could Be Halved", "Salmon thrive in some places like Stanislaus River, struggle in others", "Fish flows prompt outcry from Mother Lode", "Melones releases fish flows; irrigation districts fight back, keep flows from going downstream", "Irrigation districts announce Stanislaus River deal; fish flows might resume Friday", "2009 Biological Opinion on California's Central Valley Project", "NOAA Biological Opinion Finds California Water Projects Jeopardize Listed Species; Recommends Alternatives", "After releasing water for steelhead, not enough left for trout", "Truly a Watershed Event: California's Water Board Proposes Base Flows for the San Joaquin River Tributaries", "Is better river deal possible? This bridge was believed to be the last known timber scissors truss in the United States. Project Documents: Its amenities include flush toilets and potable water near the campsites. And since this date, virtually no structural modification to a river in this country has gone unopposed. The Stanislaus is known for its swift rapids and scenic canyons in the upper reaches, and is heavily used for irrigation, hydroelectricity and domestic water supply. Reasonable efforts have been made to provide an accurate translation, however, no automated translation is perfect nor is it intended to replace human translators. The visitor center has a number of rotating exhibits throughout the year, so check their website for more information on current events. Watching children closely when around water. The campground is located in Stanislaus National Forest, which is about 80 miles from the Stanislaus River State Parks. Rentals are offered from a number of locations throughout the parks. Locals initially criticized the project, saying that it was too big, a waste of federal money, and the reservoir would never fill. [177] The 2,000-acre (810ha) New Spicer Meadow Reservoir (the largest of the Stanislaus' high Sierra lakes) and Beardsley Reservoir both include camping facilities and boat ramps managed by the Forest Service. You should have few issues reaching Stanislaus River Campground by RV, as all of the roads are paved and well maintained. The river is extremely over-allocated, meaning that claims to its water far exceed supply. They filed claims for 600,000 acre-feet (0.74km3) of Stanislaus River water, divided evenly between the two districts. Book your Knights Ferry trip here. The Department of Parks and Recreation maintains grounds and operations of identified parks and facilities at the current level of service, evaluate priorities and adjust the workforce to the priorities identified to efficiently carry out our mission and provide basic levels of services at all general funded neighborhood parks, cemeteries, bridges, County facilities and office buildings, reservoirs, and regional parks throughout Stanislaus County. [89] The California Department of Water Resources questioned whether the extra irrigation water was even necessary,[104] and studies by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife suggested that the dam would harm the fisheries it was intended to protect. Knights Ferry Recreation Area, the put in for rafting trips, is a sprawling park that includes multiple picnic table and BBQ sites, river access, extensive hiking trails, and access to the oldest covered bridge west of the Mississippi River! Lower Stanislaus River Conditions Check River Flow Check Weather Forecast There are over four miles of rapids located just north of Knights Ferry, making the Stanislaus River Parks one of the best destinations in the region for white water rafting. McHenry and Valley Oak are primitive campgrounds with vault-style toilets and non-potable water. Goodwin Dam has traditionally been considered the dividing line between the upper and lower watersheds. Harrold in 1895, improved on this system, building 47 miles (76km) of canals along the north side of the Stanislaus River and supplying water to some 3,000 acres (1,200ha) in Manteca and Oakdale. The settlement was largely destroyed during the Great Flood of 1862, which washed away the bridge, but it and the rest of the town were soon rebuilt. Stanislaus National Forest Supervisor's Office 19777 Greenley Road Sonora, CA 95370 209-532-3671 Office and bookstore open Mon. Reading the project rules, copies of which are posted throughout the facility. Conditions Flows will be variable throughout winter and spring- check current conditions via the link below. [155][156] Due to the Stanislaus River's limited flow, it has become clear that not all the demands on the river can be fully satisfied, forcing federal, state and local water managers to compromise. Before the construction of New Melones Dam, the river frequently ran dry starting in early summer, especially in drought years, due to farmers taking all the water. Follow the signs to the project headquarters. [77] Stanislaus River water flows are also a vital resource to maintain fisheries and recreational activities, dilute pollution, recharge groundwater, and control saline intrusion in the SacramentoSan Joaquin River Delta. [120], During the spring snowmelt, these high-elevation hydro projects operate at full load around the clock; any river flow in excess of the powerhouse capacity must be spilled (bypassed) and becomes wasted energy. Conditions Flows are normally high in spring, and taper off in summertime to more raftable flows. Although Knight was killed later that year (reportedly in a gunfight), the settlement had already become the principal supply point of the region, with daily stage coach service to Stockton,[59] and was named Knights Ferry in his honor. The recreation areas, developed after the completion of New Melones Dam, provide access to the river for white-water rafting, canoeing, hiking, and camping. Enjoy the last couple weeks of summer and dont forget your life jackets! [22][137] At least 36 fish species are known to exist in the lower Stanislaus River, including both native species such as salmon, steelhead/rainbow trout, Pacific lamprey, hardhead and Sacramento pikeminnow as well as introduced species such as carp, sunfish and bass. The Sacramento District is one of four district offices in the South Pacific Division. Stanislaus River Parks Skiing. During the ice ages California had a much wetter climate; average river flows in the past may have been as high as what is considered "flood stage" today. [66], During the late 1800s and early 1900s, development slowly moved higher into the Stanislaus watershed in large part due to improvement of the Sonora Pass Highway. Water managers have struggled to find a balance between competing needs, which also include groundwater recharge, flood control, and river-based recreation such as fishing and whitewater rafting. The possibilities are endless - hiking, boating, photography, picnicking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and camping are but a few examples. Flows are normally high in spring, and taper off in summertime to more raftable flows. [64] Only a few years later, most of the mining claims and infrastructure were destroyed by the 1862 flood. The Stanislaus River is one of the most heavily dammed and diverted rivers in California, relative to its size. [23] The vast majority of the upper basin is either undeveloped or commercial timber land, with very small areas of agriculture, ranching, and mountain meadows above the tree line. In the 1950s, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation proposed a much larger dam with a capacity of 2.4 million acre feet (3.0km3), which would capture most of the extra floodwaters that the existing small irrigation dams could not hold. However, there are sixteen public access points in the 60-mile (97km) stretch between New Melones Dam and the San Joaquin River. Stanislaus River Parks Valley Oak Recreation Area 100% Recommend Review Book by phone Not instantly bookable on Hipcamp. Campers can exit over spike strip after sunset for emergencies, but cannot re-enter until park gate opens at 6:00 a.m. High river flow may flood campsites - Campers are responsible for contacting the park office for flow reports prior to arrival date, A maximum of 2 tents and 6 people for individual sites and 5 tents and 25 people for group site, There are a number of unique animal / insect species(s) native to this area, so, for your own safety, please don't approach or disturb wildlife, Collecting or gathering firewood isn't permitted at this location please bring your own certified firewood to prevent the spread of invasive species Find. You can see deer as they come down to the water for a drink, as well as river otters along the banks of the river. Find incredible places and experiences that help you bring home a story through This trail is 1 mile, that leads you to the dam itself for beautiful canyon bluff views. Just a few minutes NE of Modesto in the Central Valley. Get more details about the pass serieshere. The average fall chinook number in the 21st century has been 3,558 fish. Boating: During the summer, flows are regulated by New Spicer Meadow Reservoir, which most often releases water at night to generate hydropower. [9] It flows northwest then west, receiving the Clark Fork below Dardanelle, before feeding Donnell Lake and Beardsley Lake, both formed by hydroelectric power dams. [20], The Stanislaus River is believed to have originally formed sometime during the Miocene period, about 23 million years ago, flowing down from an ancient mountain range in the current location of the Sierra Nevada that has since eroded away. [n 1] About two-thirds of the Stanislaus River flow originates as snowmelt between the months of April and July, although its highest peak flows tend to occur during winter rains. Conditions Flows are normally high in spring, and taper off in summertime to more raftable flows. Display topics include salmon life cycles, Native American culture, the nearby covered bridge and a century-old flour mill. In-person support no matter where the road takes you. The former wagon trail up the Stanislaus canyon had operated since 1864 as a toll road (Sonora-Mono Toll Road) and was heavily traveled during the 1870s during the gold strike in Bodie. Please make sure you upgrade to one of the following browsers to make sure your transactions are secure: Give us your questions, comments or feedback. [41], American explorers also visited the Laquisimes River country starting in the 1820s, in search of beaver and otter pelts. No swimming will be allowed beginning September 7, 2017, until approximately April/May of 2018. Most of the trails in the parks are short, designed to accommodate hikers of all ages and experience levels. There he raised an army of Yokuts, Miwok and Chumash, who raided the missions and large ranchos, stealing horses and cattle and freeing Native American laborers. [167], The Middle Fork has the largest flow, but is subject to numerous hydro-power diversions that often dewater the river bed in summer. The Stanislaus River is a 65-mile long waterway that flows from the Sierra Nevada Foothills to the San Joaquin River in the Eastern part of the Central Valley of Northern California. Recreation Area Hours: 6:00 a.m. - Sunset. Starting in the early 1900s, many dams were built to store and divert water; these were often paired with hydro-power systems, whose revenues covered the high cost of the water projects. Youll need full white water rafting gear if you plan on taking the rapids. [27] These glaciers carved large U-shaped valleys in the high elevations, and supplied vast volumes of meltwater which accelerated erosion along the foothill canyons of the Stanislaus River. The next park in the Stanislaus River Park System is Oakdale Recreation Area. As many as 80percent of the Plains Miwok who had survived Spanish colonization died in the consequent epidemic. [62] Water was supplied as far as Columbia and Sonora, 60 miles (97km) to the south. The Corps of Engineers participates in the America the Beautiful-Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series. Hardwood forests (California black oak, canyon live oak and blue oak) and gray pine are common along streams and canyon bottoms, and in the foothills other hardwoods such as chamise, manzanita and mountain mahogany are present. Great video tips to keep summer fun. [118] In 1939 PG&E completed the much larger Stanislaus Powerhouse near the confluence of the Middle and North Forks. The river is named for Estanislao, who led a native uprising in Mexican-controlled California in 1828, but was ultimately defeated on the Stanislaus River (then known as the Ro de los Laquisimes). Knights Ferry Recreation Area. Knight runs (14 miles (23km) in total), rated "difficult" at Class IVV+ are dependent on releases from Sand Bar Dam, which only occur when river flow exceeds the capacity of Stanislaus Powerhouse.

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