Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino

Overview

Chekaka Recreation Area is situated on Lake Mendocino in California's Mendocino Range, where redwood forests meet wine country. There is one reservable picnic pad in the Overlook Day-Use Area. Chekaka Campground has been permanently closed.

The lake is formed by the Coyote Dam on the Russian River. A wide variety of recreational opportunities is available, including boating, swimming, water skiing, fishing, hiking and horseback riding.

Recreation

The 1,822-acre lake provides abundant boating, swimming and water skiing opportunities. Anglers will find sunfish, smallmouth bass, striped bass, crappie, white and channel catfish, bluegill and perch.

Several miles of trails wind around Lake Mendocino, including the 3-mile Shakota Trail that begins at the Overlook Day-Use Area and offers beautiful views of the lake.

Lake Mendocino also offers two disc golf courses that can be found near the Overlook Day-Use Area on the south end and the Pomo A Day-Use Area parking lot on the north end. The rolling terrain is heavily wooded in some areas, making for challenging tunnel shots with obstacles around most pins.

Facilities

The old Chekaka Campground is permanently closed to camping. The Overlook Day-Use Area group picnic site in the Chekaka Recreation Area is available for reservations. 

Natural Features

Lake Mendocino lies in the scenic rolling hills of Coyote Valley. Groves of oak mixed with manzanita and pines forest the area, offering limited shade and an excellent bird and wildlife habitat.

Contact Info

This location has limited staffing. Please call (707) 467-4200 for general information.

Nearby Attractions

The charming city of Ukiah, less than 15 minutes away, offers a variety of shopping and dining opportunities, museums and golf courses. The Ukiah Farmer's Market runs Saturday mornings throughout the summer, offering fresh produce, local wines, arts and crafts and live music.

From the South (San Francisco, Santa Rosa, Ukiah): Follow Highway 101 North towards Ukiah. Approximately 2 miles north of Ukiah, take the Lake Mendocino Dr. exit and turn right. Turn left at North State St., then right again onto Lake Mendocino Dr. Chekaka Recreation Area is at the top of the hill. Take a slight left before reaching the Coyote Valley Dam to visit the Overlook Day-Use Area. 

From the North (Eureka, Willits, Fort Bragg): Follow Highway 101 South. Approximately 17 miles south of Willits, take the Lake Mendocino Dr. exit and turn left. Turn left at North State St., then right onto Lake Mendocino Dr. Chekaka Recreation Area is at the top of the hill. Take a slight left before reaching the Coyote Valley Dam to visit the Overlook Day-Use Area.

From the East (Sacramento): From the city of Williams, take Highway 20 West. Continue on Highway 20 for approximately 2 hours or 80 miles traveling past Clearlake and Blue Lakes. Approximately 5 miles after the Potter Valley turn-off, continue onto Highway 101 South. Take the Lake Mendocino Dr. exit and turn left. Turn left at North State St., then right onto Lake Mendocino Dr. Chekaka Recreation Area is at the top of the hill. Take a slight left before reaching the Coyote Valley Dam to visit the Overlook Day-Use Area.