Even though you're on the West Coast, there's nothing like the natural spectacle of watching a river run. You can enjoy that beauty thanks to the Calaveras River. This river is situated in the Central Valley and flows roughly southwest for 80 miles from its headwaters in northeast Calaveras County into the San Joaquin River just west of the city of Stockton. The calming sound of the river and the perfect spot for an outdoor picnic awaits just a short drive away.
The Willow Slough Trail offers hikers and walkers a chance to experience the natural beauty of an ancient valley oak forest that offers one of the rarest landscapes in the state. Beaver, river otters and mountain lions as well as several types of exotic birds are the types of creatures you may be able to see on your trek. The terrain of this recreation path is dirt, dirt road and boardwalk through the valley and oak woodland.
Stockton was once home to a thriving Filipino culture. While many Filipinos still make their home here, the older generation may remember when they were all concentrated in the Little Manila section of the city. Today, only three buildings are still standing from what was once the largest thriving Filipino community in the United States. The stories, struggles, triumphs and contributions of the Filipino culture to Stockton's growth can be traced back here. Take a dramatic tour of the Iloilo Circle, the Dimasalang House and the Daguhoy Lodge, the three remaining structures that preserve the Filipino history quite fittingly.