Lake guide
Lake Mendocino
Ukiah, Mendocino County, CA
Overview
Lake Mendocino is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir just northeast of Ukiah, formed by Coyote Valley Dam on the East Fork of the Russian River. The dam was completed in 1957, stands 160 feet high and holds about 122,400 acre-feet when full. It draws water skiers, bass and striped bass anglers, and campers.
Layout
Boating facilities cluster around Marina Drive. The State's boating-facilities directory lists a Corps launch with 58 trailer parking spaces and a separately run marina operated by Lake Mendocino Recreation Park Inc., with 120 trailer spaces, two boarding floats, dry storage and boat rentals. There's a North Boat Ramp near Kyen Campground as well, plus 300-plus campsites around the shore and a few boat-in sites.
What's different here
Every boat, including kayaks and paddleboards, has to be inspected for invasive mussels at the ramps before it launches. The lake has no known mussel population and local agencies work hard to keep it that way, so arrive clean, drained and dry. Ramps, parking and campsites can close as the lake drops, so check current lake levels before you tow. There's a state mercury advisory for fish caught here.
Getting there & access
Getting there
Take Highway 20 east from US 101 north of Ukiah and follow Marina Drive to the entrance station. Marina Drive can be reached from the south (Ukiah), north (Willits) and east (Sacramento via Highway 20).
Corps launch
The Corps launch at 1299 Marina Drive has one boarding float, one carry-down walkway, 58 parking spaces for vehicles with trailers and restrooms. The state facility listing gives a 25-foot maximum boat length.
Marina launch
Lake Mendocino Recreation Park Inc. runs the marina, with two boarding floats, a carry-down walkway, 120 trailer parking spaces and 100 dry-storage spaces. It's listed for boats 14 to 25 feet.
Inspection before launching
Mendocino County says the lake requires inspections at the boat ramps before launching, so no watercraft enters without confirming it has been cleaned, drained and dried. Inspections are quick and free. In a 2024 announcement, Sonoma Water described the inspections as running daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and using both visual and canine checks; confirm current hours before you go.
Low water
The Corps notes that boat ramps, some day-use and parking areas and many campsites can close based on lake levels. Check current lake levels and ramp status before towing.
Amenities
- Corps launch ramp — 1 boarding float, 1 carry-down walkway, 58 trailer spaces, restrooms
- Marina — Lake Mendocino Recreation Park Inc.: transient tie-ups, boat rentals, store, tackle, ice, snack bar
- Dry storage — 100 spaces at the marina
- North Boat Ramp — Near Kyen Campground on the north side of the lake
- Camping — 300+ campsites around the lake, including Kyen (93 family sites), plus a few boat-in sites
- Showers and laundry — Listed at the marina facility
Rules & official resources
- Every watercraft must pass an invasive-mussel inspection at the boat ramp before launching (stated by Mendocino County, July 27, 2026)
- Inspections apply to all watercraft, including paddleboards, kayaks and canoes; screeners ask where the boat was used, especially Southern California or out of state in the last 30 days (Sonoma Water, October 1, 2024)
- Clean all gear, remove plant material, and drain bilge, ballast and anywhere water collects before and after launching
- Boat ramps, some day-use and parking areas and many campsites may close based on lake levels
- Boats used in fresh water must display a current California Mussel Fee sticker on the hull next to the registration sticker
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
Common boat service needs here
Clean, drain and dry prep
Every launch here starts with a mussel inspection, and boats that arrive with standing water or plant debris get held up. Owners who move between lakes benefit from a thorough wash, bilge dry-out and interior detail before arriving.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →Engine and trailer service
Most boats here are trailered in, often from well inland. Outboard tune-ups, lower-unit service and trailer bearing and brake checks keep summer trips from ending at the ramp.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Covers and UV protection
Hot inland summers and boats sitting in dry storage or on trailers make sun damage a steady issue. Good covers and upholstery care extend the life of seats and canvas.
Find Canvas, Covers & Upholstery providers →Dry storage and slips
The marina offers dry storage and transient tie-ups, and owners who'd rather not tow every weekend look for nearby storage options.
Find Marinas, Storage & Dock Services providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 6, 2026