Ukiah Valley facts for kids
The Ukiah Valley is a beautiful valley found in Mendocino County, California, in the United States. It's a special place that is home to the city of Ukiah, which is the main government center for Mendocino County.
Many other small towns are also in the valley. These include Redwood Valley, Calpella, Potter Valley, and Talmage. The valley is also where you'll find Lake Mendocino and the beginning of the Russian River. This river flows through the valley and then moves south through a narrow, rocky area into the Sanel Valley.
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Exploring Ukiah Valley
Ukiah Valley is a key part of Mendocino County. It's known for its natural beauty and important waterways.
Where is Ukiah Valley Located?
Ukiah Valley is in the northern part of California. It is surrounded by hills and mountains. This creates a sheltered and fertile area.
What Towns are in the Valley?
Besides Ukiah, several smaller communities make up the valley. These towns are:
- Redwood Valley
- Calpella
- Potter Valley
- Talmage
These towns are all part of the larger Ukiah Valley area.
Rivers and Lakes of the Valley
The valley is home to important water sources.
- Lake Mendocino is a large lake used for water supply and recreation.
- The Russian River starts its journey here. The "headwaters" means this is where the river begins. It flows through the valley, providing water for plants and animals.
Ukiah Valley and Willits
While close by, the town of Willits is not actually in Ukiah Valley. It's located north of the valley in a place called Little Lake Valley. This area is part of the Eel River's "drainage basin." A drainage basin is like a big bowl where all the rain and snow melt flows into one river.
Willits is connected to Ukiah Valley by U.S. Route 101. This major road goes over a hill called Ridgewood Summit.
The Meaning of "Ukiah"
The name "Ukiah" comes from the language of the Central Pomo people. They are one of the Native American groups who lived here long ago. The word yokaya means 'south valley'. So, when we say "Ukiah Valley," it actually means "South Valley Valley"!
The northern part of the valley was once home to the Northern Pomo people. The southern part was where the Central Pomo lived. A Central Pomo village called Yokaia was located south of Ukiah for many years.
