Where to hike with a dog at Lake Mendocino: Shakota Trail

Dog enjoying one of the beach coves.

The Shakota Trail might have more to offer humans than dogs, but it's definitely worth a visit if you're in the Ukiah Valley and want to have some water at your side for most of your hike. 
The trail is three miles one way and hugs the shores of Lake Mendocino for most of that, offering water views as it goes up and down hills, under trees and over bridges. 
In the spring it has plenty of wildflowers, and in the summer it offers shade and lots of spots where your dog can reach the water for a drink and dip. 
But you should still try and hike only in the summer mornings as the trail gets very hot in the afternoons and even frequent dips in the water didn't seem to cool my dog down much.
Location: The south end of the trail is off Observation Road near the South Boat Ramp, and the north end of the trail is reached off of Marina Drive.

Words to the wise: 

• Ticks and snakes: I didn't find any ticks on my dog after two hikes here, one in the late spring and one in early summer, but there were plenty of lizards and snakes.
• Bathrooms and water: I've only started this trail from the south end near the Overlook parking lot, where the trail begins just behind the bathrooms and playground. The toilets are flush, but there was no water available except in the sinks.

When you're not under trees, you're next to the lake.

Video: One of the nicest views of the lake from the trail:

For humans only: Another cool thing that won't interest your dog much is the abandoned winery that has become a haven for graffiti artists. If you start the Shakota Trail from the south end, it is about two miles to the winery. Definitely worth a visit if you like graffiti.