Lake Mendocino/Coyote Dam

1160 Lake Mendocino Drive
Ukiah, CA 95482
(707) 467-4200

http://www.spn.usace.army.mil/External Link

Description

Lake Mendocino is set in the Coyote Valley, surrounded by rolling hills covered with oak and conifer forests. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ completion of Coyote Dam on the East Fork of the Russian River created Lake Mendocino in 1958. The dam is an earth-filled embankment 3,500-feet long and 160-feet high. The dam provides flood control, water conservation and hydroelectric power. The lake also is a focal point for a host of outdoor activities. A visitor center at the Pomo Recreation Area is molded after a Native American Roundhouse. It is operated jointly by the Corps and local Pomo tribes. The visitor center is open seasonally, so call ahead.

Activities

  • Camping
  • Water-skiing
  • Boating
  • Nature Study
  • Hiking
  • Swimming
  • Local Studies
  • Fishing

Facilities

There are more than 300 family campsites in three separate campgrounds located in the Northern portion of the park; including several sites around the lake’s shore which are accessible by boat. All sites are on a first- come, first-serve basis, except for the group campgrounds (contact the park office for further information). Flush toilets, showers and piped water are available in the developed sites, with no water in the primitive sites.

Fire: Designated fire rings only.

Wood: See park staff—no wood gathering.

Water: See above

Map