Carr Powerhouse Picnic Shelter
Closed
— The picnic shelter operates seasonally and is currently closed. Reservation hours when open are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. for day use only. A Whiskeytown National Recreation Area entrance pass is required in addition to the reservation fee.
About
Carr Powerhouse Picnic Area is located on the northern shore of Whiskeytown Lake in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, 15 miles west of Redding, California. This covered picnic shelter has become a popular venue for celebrating birthdays, weddings, family reunions, work events, and many other special occasions. The facility features a large open lawn area with additional picnic tables, benches, cornhole cement boards, and BBQ grills.
The picnic area offers stunning views of Whiskeytown Lake, though swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing are not permitted at this specific location due to strong water currents generated from the adjacent Carr Powerhouse. Water-based activities can be enjoyed at nearby Oak Bottom (2 miles east) and Whiskey Creek (4.5 miles east).
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area sits where the Klamath Mountains, Cascade and Coast Mountain Ranges, and the Sacramento Valley meet, creating diverse wildlife habitats and scenic landscapes. Nearby hiking opportunities include Boulder Creek Falls and Oak Bottom Water Ditch Trail, both accessible by a short drive to their trailheads. Crystal Creek Road, less than 1 mile away, provides access to hikes such as Crystal Creek and Whiskeytown Falls. The Whiskey Creek Launch Ramp is 2.0 miles away, and boats are available for rent at Oak Bottom Marina, also 2 miles from the facility.
Directions
From Redding, CA, take State Route 299 west for approximately 15.5 miles. Turn left onto South Shore Drive. When the road splits, stay to the right on South Shore Drive and continue until the road dead ends into the Carr Powerhouse Parking Lot.
Nearby Campgrounds
