Lake Mendocino is located in the northern coast range of California where redwood forests meet the wine country. Created by the construction of Coyote Dam on the East Fork of the Russian River in 1958. The dam, built and maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provides flood damage reduction, water conservation, and hydroelectric power. The lake also provides many recreation opportunities.

A coast redwood growing in Montgomery Woods State Reserve near Ukiah, is the tallest known tree in the world. It stands five stories higher than the Statue of Liberty.