Cow Mountain, Ukiah, Mendocino County

View of the Ukiah Valley from Cow Mountain

Cow Mountain Recreation Area lies nestled in heart of the Mayacamas Mountains, and spans the border between Lake and Mendocino Counties. Despite all it has to offer, many local people do not even realize it is there. Hiking, biking, off-roading, and an abundance of nature await, within arm's reach of Ukiah. [You can access Cow Mountain from Lake County too, but this post will cover the Ukiah side.]

Narrow dirt roads and foot trails wind their way though steep hills, covered in blankets of chaparral. Thick tangles of manzanitas, white-flowered chamise, ceanothus, and dense scrub oaks are scattered about with stands of trees - dark firs, spreading oaks, and clumps of bright green knobcone pines. Sometimes you will see the orange trunks of the madrone trees, or smell the sharp, spicy scent from a grove of California bay.

Wildlife is abundant. You will see plenty of birds of all kinds - turkey vultures circling and enjoying the mountain breezes, acorn and pileated woodpeckers drumming on a dead tree, a flash of orange and black feathers from an oriole. Brown towees and scrub jays hop through the brush, and the distinctive trills of a wrentit cut through the clear air. Quail and wild turkeys are frequently spotted, scuttling through the bushes in search of seeds and insects.

Black-tailed deer graze in the meadows and traipse though the trees, slender legs moving with fluid grace. Ears perked up in constant alert, they keep a wary eye out for predators, and dash away through the chaparral at the slightest hint of danger. 

If you are lucky, you might spot one of those predators. Bobcats and raccoons live here - if you look in the mud at the side of the road, you will spot a footprint or two, or catch a glimpse of a furry body slinking quietly into the trees.

On a warm evening, as the sun vanishes behind the horizon in a haze of pink, and the eastern sky has turned a deep dusky blue, you may hear the faint yip-yip-yip of the coyotes, celebrating the appearance of the first stars.

You may never see the bears and mountain lions, but they live in these hills too. Sometimes you  will see a tree with claw marks deep into the bark where a bear has scored it, or find the footprint of a lion near some watering hole.

In spring, the hillsides are covered with wildflowers. Deep blue larkspur mingles with orange California poppies and purple lupines in sunny meadows. In the shade, pale golden fawn lilies with dappled leaves hang their blossoms shyly, side by side with purple shooting stars. Cheerful yellow buttercups adorn the roadsides, and the white and blue ceanothus bushes live up to their nickname of "California Lilac", forming cascades of frothy flowers that hang down over the trails, buzzing with bees and butterflies.

From the top of North Cow Mountain, you can see beautiful views of the Ukiah Valley, and all the patchwork quilt of vineyards and orchards surrounding it. From the South, you can overlook Clear Lake, and see Mount Konocti looming up in the distance over the shining water.

You won't regret the trip.

To get there from Ukiah,  take 101 to the Talmage Road exit. Go east on Talmage Road about a mile and a half, and turn right at East Side Road. In a few hundred more feet, go left on Mill Creek Road and continue east about 3 miles. At this point you can turn left on the road to North Cow Mountain, winding up a steep dirt road, or continue straight ahead for another 3 miles to reach South Cow Mountain instead.

South Cow Mountain has an abundance of offroad vehicle trails, and plenty of hiking along the roads. North Cow Mountain is dedicated to other uses, such as hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking, and has over 17 miles of trails. OHV use is not permitted. 

Four-wheel drive is recommended for the North, as the road is pretty rough. The South has a smoother road, so is somewhat more accessible. 

Spring and autumn are the best times to visit. Summer is beautiful, but the heat can be dangerous - make sure you pack plenty of water, and find some shade to cool off in regularly. Winter is pleasant for hiking, but the rains can make a mess of the roads. During drier spells it is fine.

Have you been to Cow Mountain? What did you see there? Leave a comment below!