The Stanislaus River is a tributary of the San Joaquin River in north-central California in the United States. The main stem of the river is 96 miles (154 km) long, and measured to its furthest headwaters it is about 150 miles (240 km) long. Originating as three forks in the high Sierra Nevada, the river flows generally southwest through the agricultural San Joaquin Valley to join the San Joaquin south of Manteca, draining parts of five California counties. 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.
Stanislaus River at the historic covered bridge in Knights Ferry
Stanislaus River at Camp Nine, near the confluence of the North and Middle Forks.
Kennedy Lake, near the headwaters of the Middle Fork, seen from Leavitt Peak (11,525 ft (3,513 m)) in the Emigrant Wilderness
The Stanislaus River canyon at the Dardanelles area, where Donnells Lake reservoir is today, was formed by glaciation during the Ice Ages.
State Route 108 is a state highway in the U.S. state of California that runs from the Central Valley and across the Sierra Nevada via the Sonora Pass. It generally runs northeast from downtown Modesto near the SR 99/SR 132 interchange, to U.S. Route 395 near the Nevada state line. The route was once recommended to continue south of Modesto to Interstate 5, although today that portion exists as a county road. Parts of SR 108 are closed annually during the winter due to inclement weather along the summit.
California 108 near Sonora Pass