California / Mendocino County / Calpella

Pomo Day Use Area

Open — Open for day-use only. Typical hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in off-season and 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in summer, though hours are subject to change. Overnight parking is not permitted. Picnic shelters available first-come, first-served in winter months.

About

Pomo Day Use Area is situated on Lake Mendocino in California's Mendocino Range, where the redwood forests meet California wine country. The lake is formed by the Coyote Dam on the Russian River and provides a variety of recreational opportunities throughout the year. The day-use area features three reservable picnic shelters (Pomo A, B, and C) with covered facilities and barbecues, perfect for gatherings and events. A designated swim beach provides lake access for swimming and water activities on the 1,822-acre lake. The area also hosts a disc golf course near the Pomo A parking lot, with challenging tunnel shots through rolling, heavily wooded terrain. Several miles of trails wind around Lake Mendocino, including the 3-mile Shakota Trail that begins near the nearby Pomo Cultural Center and offers beautiful views of the lake. The lake provides excellent opportunities for boating, water skiing, and fishing for sunfish, smallmouth bass, striped bass, crappie, white and channel catfish, bluegill, and perch. Lake Mendocino lies in the scenic rolling hills of Coyote Valley, with groves of oak mixed with manzanita and pines providing bird and wildlife habitats. The charming city of Ukiah is less than 15 minutes away, offering shopping, dining, museums, and the popular Ukiah Farmer's Market.

Directions

From Ukiah, take Highway 101 North approximately 5 miles. Take Highway 20 East and continue for approximately 2 miles. Turn right onto Marina Drive and continue past the North Boat Ramp and Kyen Campground until reaching the Pomo A, B, and C parking lots on the left.

Nearby Campgrounds