Carson Beach takes its name from early settlers in the Inchelium area, though specific historical records documenting the exact Carson family or individual remain elusive in available sources. The beach sits along the shores of Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake near Inchelium, a community on the Colville Indian Reservation in Ferry County. Inchelium's own name derives from the San Poil Indian language, with the original En-char-lay-um or En-ch'lay-um meaning "where big water meets little water" or "a meeting place among three waters," referring to the confluences of Hall and Stranger creeks with the Columbia River. The original Inchelium townsite disappeared beneath 135 feet of water when Grand Coulee Dam created Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake in 1941, with residents relocating to the benchland above the new reservoir while maintaining their community's traditional name. The lake itself honors President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who championed the Grand Coulee Dam project during its construction as part of New Deal infrastructure development. Carson Beach emerged as one of several access points along this massive reservoir that stretches 130 miles through northeastern Washington, providing recreational opportunities on lands that hold deep significance for the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, whose twelve bands historically inhabited these river valleys before the dam's construction transformed the landscape.
Carson Beach offers visitors access to Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake's extensive recreational opportunities within the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area managed by the National Park Service. Swimming ranks among the most popular summer activities, as the lake's shallow beachfront areas warm considerably during the warmer months despite the reservoir being fed by glacial melt and snowmelt from the Canadian Rockies. The beach provides ideal swimming conditions with gentle slopes into the water and sandy or pebbly shorelines that accommodate families and casual swimmers. Boating opportunities abound on the reservoir's vast expanse, with water skiing, wakeboarding, and recreational boating taking advantage of the lake's calm waters and scenic surroundings. Fishing attracts anglers seeking walleye, rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and smallmouth bass that thrive in the reservoir's ecosystem. Camping facilities throughout the recreation area provide options for extended stays, while picnic areas and shelters accommodate day visitors and group functions. The Inchelium-Gifford Ferry operates across the lake, offering a free crossing that connects the Colville Reservation with communities on the eastern shore while providing unique perspectives of the surrounding landscape. Hiking trails in the area explore the benchlands and canyons that rise above the reservoir, offering views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The combination of water-based recreation, cultural significance, and natural beauty makes Carson Beach a notable destination for those exploring the remote beauty of northeastern Washington's lake country.
Dining options in the Inchelium area reflect the community's small size and remote location on the Colville Indian Reservation, with limited restaurants directly in town and more extensive options available in Colville, approximately 21 miles away. A restaurant on Inchelium Highway just outside town serves American cuisine including burgers with various toppings, breakfast plates with eggs and hash browns, sandwiches with deli meats and cheeses, and daily specials that change with availability. In nearby Colville, Benny's Colville Inn offers classic American fare including hand-cut steaks with baked potatoes, prime rib dinners on weekends, fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy, fresh salads with regional ingredients, and homemade pies including huckleberry and apple varieties that showcase local berries. The Old Depot offers pizza with creative toppings like pepperoni and sausage, calzones stuffed with meats and cheeses, pasta dishes including lasagna and spaghetti with marinara sauce, and craft beers from Washington breweries. Rancho Chico Mexican Restaurant serves traditional Mexican cuisine including carne asada tacos with fresh cilantro and onions, enchiladas with red or green sauce, chile rellenos stuffed with cheese and topped with sauce, combination platters featuring multiple items, and fresh guacamole prepared tableside. Acorn Saloon provides casual dining and drinks including burgers with bacon and cheese, buffalo wings with various sauces, fish and chips made with cod, pulled pork sandwiches with coleslaw, and a full bar featuring regional beers and cocktails, creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors exploring the Lake Roosevelt region and the communities of the Colville Reservation.
