stanislaus river parks

My sister & I are new to the Modesto Area, so we were in search of a nice hiking/escape spot that wasn't too far from us. Back in Visalia, we had Three Rivers (a 30 minute drive away), now we have Knight's Ferry (roughly 30 minutes from Modesto). We just love it here so much! Great place to hike, swim, picnic, enjoy the sunset.... and of course there are lots of great photo opportunities to be had.We go here as often as we can. Just a great nature spot!

This is a wonderful place to do all sorts of things. There are trails to walk and hike, a river to enjoy, historical buildings and an amazing covered bridge to explore, and lots of opportunities for great photos. There is also a huge picnic area with nicely kept, clean picnic tables and BBQ grills. I packed a nice picnic dinner that we enjoyed after exploring. We'll definitely go back and maybe even dust off our fishing poles and bring them next time.

The beauty and grandeur of this humble place is stunning! All you have to do is park in the lot, walk past the very cool old mill and covered bridge, and keep going along the left side of the river, up the trail and you will find some steps down into a canyon which feels like the best kept secret anywhere around here. It is amazing how close this spectacular place is to this dull valley.

This is a must visit if you are travelling on the way to Yosemite on 120 from Oakdale, or looking for a place to stop on the way to Sonora Ca. It is a well kept park with lots to do for everyone. Great picnic area with grills available on site. Really good hiking along the Stanilaus river with small cliffs hanging over the fast river. An information and visitors centre that has great displays. Lots of room for kids to play. Also river rafting is available, advise to book ahead. An old preserved covered bridge and pre century power mill is something to see!Two good restaurants close by.A full day can be enjoyed at this location.A highly recommended family area.

Brought the grandson here to watch the salmon run and I was awed. I had never seen this phenomenon. The park is really nice for a picnic and there is a historical covered bridge that you can walk on.

Walk this bridge; like the nesting swallows above me, history echos all around. It is easy to imagine the ghosts of miners and pioneers as you stroll out into the sunshine next to the ruins of a water mill. As locals like to do: picnic along the river, "cliff dive" off boulders along the river, hike the canyon or along the water way up on the rim. Visit the ranger museum, or canoe the river (as the park was originally conceived). Explore the village: ask why the metal spikes are embedded into the rock on the south side of the river, and go to Jail. Local Model T clubs occasionally get to motor thru this long wooden-covered structure. In late Spring, there is a great (free!) weekend Civil War battle re-enactment. In Fall, there are salmon viewing from the new bridge.