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Lake Mendocino is located in the northern Coast Range where redwood forests meet the wine country. The lake is situated in the foothills at an elevation of 750 feet. The park is set in Coyote Valley, surrounded by rolling hills covered with oak and conifer forest. The valley was once a home to Pomo Indians.

Lake Mendocino was created in 1958 by the completion of Coyote Dam on the East Fork of the Russian River. The dam is an earthfill embankment 3,500 feet long and 160 feet high. Built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the dam provides flood control, water conservation, and hydroelectric power.

For both the avid angler and the novice, Mendocino offers a challenging and rewarding fishing experience. The depth of the lake varies from 120 feet near the dam to 30 feet near the inlet. Striped bass, largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and three varieties of catfish provide plenty of action.

The 1,822-acre lake provides plenty of space for the boating enthusiast, waterskier, or sailor. Launching is available at either end of the lake from two 6-lane boat ramps. The marina, located near the north ramp, offers slip rentals, fuel sales, boat rentals, camping supplies, and a snack bar.

There are more than 300 family campsites, suitable for both tent and R.V. camping. There are also primitive boat-in campsites available at designated sites on the east shore.

Picnicking, swimming, and hiking are just some of the activities available at five developed recreation areas. There are more than 100 picnic sites, 10 group picnic shelters with large barbeque pits, exercise courses, playgrounds, scenic hiking trails, a horse staging area, and a visitor center. At the Visitor Center, you can explore one of the few visitor centers modeled after an Indian roundhouse. It is operated jointly by the Corps of Engineers and Native Americans. There is also a seasonal Fish Hatchery open to the public from November to March.