Lake Mendocino is tucked in the foothills of the Northern Coastal Range, surrounded by wine country. It is about 5-miles from Ukiah in Mendocino County, and about two hours north of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Many recreational activities can be enjoyed here, such aspaddling,  hiking, bicycling, horseback riding and swimming. The northwest shore has a designated swimming beach, but swimming is allowed almost everywhere in the lake. The sandy beach swimming is located at the Pomo day-use picnic area. While swimming, watch out for the aggressive man-biting catfish.

The northern upper creek that feeds into Lake Mendocino is one of the prettiest spots on the lake. It is an ideal location for beginning paddlers who aren’t up for a 15-mile paddle around the entire lake perimeter.

Lake Mendocino’s shape does not allow for easy crossover access to the opposite shoreline. In addition, the 55mph boat speed limit should discourage anyone from cutting across the lake’s main body of water. All types of boating are allowed.

Lake Mendocino boosts its excellent fishing opportunities for striped bass, sunfish and catfish. It also offers a good population of bluegill, crappie, and smallmouth bass. The best location for kayak fishing is in the coves around the lake where bass, sunfish and bluegill tend to hang out, providing the water is still calm.

On hot summer weekends, the lake can become congested with people and watercraft, so plan your arrival at daybreak.

Map of Lake Mendocino