Stanislaus river bend

Stanislaus River flowing around a sand tongue with dense forest in the back

The Stanislaus River, originating in the Sierra Nevada Foothills, is a tributary to the San Joaquin River in California's Central Valley. It is a popular river for water recreation including fishing, rafting, tubing and swimming. Similar to the riparian forest you can explore on a River Walk in the Cosumnes River Preserve, mature oak riparian forest has been preserved within Caswell Memorial State Park near the town of Ripon, located between Manteca and Modesto. Here, the Stanislaus River meanders along the east and south side of the park. A multitude of bends with sand banks and beaches exist. The one shown in the picture above, you can overlook from a point on River Bend Trail, south of the Crow's Loop Trail. The forest has a jungle-like appearance due to majestic trees that often are completely overgrown by vine. But relax when you get close to the water: crocodilians do not live in the typically cold water. Water levels may change rapidly and life jackets are highly recommanded when participating in recreational activities on the river.