History

In July 1973, the State of California transferred the former State Hospital water shed lands in Talmage to the County of Mendocino. This 400-acre park consists of several separate parcels along Mill Creek and contains three dams which, for many years, provided water for the State Hospital. The third dam, which lies upstream and adjacent to the picnic area, is the largest and most utilized of the three. It is a popular spot for swimming and fishing.

Park Location

Mill Creek Park is located outside the town of Talmage, immediately east of Ukiah (Mill Creek Road, Talmage). Situated in a narrow canyon at the foot of Cow Mountain on the eastern side of Ukiah Valley, Mill Creek Park is home to a mixed forest of oak, madrone, bay, and other indigenous trees. Mill Creek runs through the center of the park, and there are several nature trails that lead guests throughout the park's wooded hills, treating them to wildflowers in the spring and spectacular views of Ukiah Valley year-round.

Features and Facilities

The park's most notable features are its three dams. While the two lower dams are accessible to the public, the third, furthest upstream and the largest of the three is a regular swimming and fishing area. In years past, it was stocked with trout by the State Fish and Game Department; however, the Department of Fish and Game discontinued this practice in 2005.

The east end of the park contains a small playground, horseshoe pits, barbeque pits, and picnic area. From this area, several trails lead off into the wooded hills including Scorpion Trail and Ridge Trail.

Visitors hiking these trails in the spring will be treated to a wildflower display, but no matter what time of year you visit, you will appreciate the breathtaking views of the Ukiah Valley as shown on the right.