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Caswell Memorial State Park - Site # 50 |
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Background: | Virgin stands of massive valley oaks, trees native only to California, line a meandering stretch of the Stanislaus River lush with wild grapes and blackberries. The River Bend Trail skirts the river and passes amoung trees more than 100 feet tall. Nuttall's woodpeckers, great horned owls, and wood ducks nest in well-used cavities. Resident western scrub-jays and Calfornia quail are joined by spring-arriving Townsend's and MacGillvray's warblers, warbling vireos, and western tanagers. Black-headed grosbeaks, ash-throated flycatchers, and California thrashers nest in the area, as do Swainson's hawks. Fallen trees provide dens for opossums, sknunks, racoons, and a riparian bush rabbit found only at this park. Look for great blue herons, muskrats, and beavers at inland ponds or along the river. In the winter, watch overhead for waterfowl and listen for the low, hollow yodeling of sandhill cranes. |
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The Experience: | It is one of the last large patches of old growth riparian forest left in the San Joaquin Valley. |
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Wildlife and Where to Find It: | level foot trails
kayaking or canoeing along edge of park on Stainslaus River |
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Viewing Tips: | More than 225 bird species at or near site. Watch for waterfowl in fall and winter. Songbirds, birds of prey, aquatic and small mammals, and some predators can be seen year-round. Salmon spawn in river at nearby sites. |
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Nearby Viewing Sites: | Stouffer Park, City of Ripon
San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge |
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Visitor Information: | Ripon Chamber of Commerce - 209-599-7519 - riponchamber.org |
Viewing Site Hours of Operation are: |
Staff On-site: | Yes |
Open: | Everday |
Hours: | day use is 8 am to sunset |
Year Round: | Yes |
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Road Information: |
Paved. |
| Road Hazards: no |
| Number of Parking Spaces: 156 |
| Parking Fee: Yes |
| Proximity to viewing area:adjacent |
| Pull-Through Parking: No |
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How to Get There: | Driving south of Manteca on Highway 99, take Austin Road exit and go south 4 miles to park. |
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Contact Information |
Managing Agency: | California State Parks |
Agency Site URL: | www.parks.ca.gov |
Physical Address: | 28000 South Austin Road Ripon, CA 95366 |
Agency 2: | 28000 South Austin Road Ripon, CA 95366 |
Manager Phone: | 209-599-3810 |
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Site Phone: | (209) 599-3810 | | |
County: | San Joaquin |
Addition Website: |
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