Valley View Trail is located on the western edge of the North Cow Mountain Recreation Area in eastern Mendocino County. The 4 mile long trail is open for hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use. It extends from Mill Creek County Park (administered by Mendocino County) to the Willow Creek Trailhead on North Cow Mountain. The trail climbs through chaparral slopes, then oak woodland habitat before opening into grassy meadows at higher elevation with great views of the Ukiah Valley. Finally, it drops down to join the Mayacmas Trail and Willow Creek a quarter mile below the Willow Creek Trailhead.

The trail is accessible all year; best time to visit is fall, winter and spring. Summers are hot and dry.

Valley View Trail gains approximately 1,250 feet in elevation altitude and is steep in places. Mountain bikers frequently ride up the Mendo Rock Road to the Willow Creek Trailhead and then ride down the Valley View Trail. Avid hikers may opt to continue along the Mayacmas Trail (junction quarter mile below Willow Creek Trailhead) for a longer hike in the woods. The Mayacmas Trail is unsuitable for equestrian and mountain bike use. Willow Creek Trailhead is a small dirt parking area at the end of a steep winding dirt road. Best access is at Mill Creek County Park.

Directions: From Ukiah, CA, To access the trail from the Willow Creek Trailhead, take Mill Creek Road for 3 miles to North Cow Mountain turnoff (look for sign). Take Mendo Rock Road 2.5 miles to "T". Turn left to Willow Creek parking area.

Valley View Trail, located on the western edge of the North Cow Mountain Recreation Area, offers 4 miles of hiking, biking, or horseback riding through a variety of habitats.