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Stream and floodplain restoration at the reach scale has ranged from expensive, heavy‐handed modification of the channel and floodplain to simple, longer‐term revegetation efforts. We have developed and implemented a simple approach that emulates the ecosystem engineering effects of beaver. This approach is less expensive and disruptive than typical large‐scale engineering efforts and has the potential to restore both fish habitat and floodplain vegetation more rapidly than simply revegetating and waiting for the riparian zone to mature. The approach involves constructing log flow‐choke structures that mimic the hydraulic function of a natural beaver dam during flooding. By placing these structures throughout a naturally entrenched stream reach at locations promoting increased frequency of flood connection with floodplain swales and relict channels, we set the stage to restore the riparian corridor and floodplain more quickly than could be achieved through revegetation alone. Monitoring shows that within just one to two years of implementation, beaver are building more persistent dams in close proximity to our structures, and we are seeing increased hydraulic connectivity with the floodplain. Our technique may therefore provide a cost‐effective, natural process‐based restoration tool with potential large‐scale benefits.