Lake Mendocino is set amongst the rolling hills and oak groves of Mendocino county near the headwaters of the picturesque Russian River, one of the cleanest rivers in the country. Lake Mendocino is located in Mendocino County, California where Northern California's Wine Country begins,  near magnificent redwood forests and still close to the Pacific Ocean and only 2 1/2 hours North of San Francisco.

Created by the construction of Coyote Dam on the East Fork of the Russian River in 1958, the lake has a surface area of 1,822 acres. The earthen dam, built and maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is 160 feet high and 3,500 feet long.

The structure provides flood damage reduction, water conservation, hydroelectric power, and recreational opportunities like hiking, water skiing and boating.   Mix in some camping and barbecuing and you've got potential for a good weekend!