Overview
Crawford State Park is a small Washington State Parks unit situated in Ferry County in the Okanogan Highlands of northeastern Washington. It is best known for Gardner Cave, the longest publicly accessible limestone cavern in the state of Washington, making it a meaningful geological attraction in an otherwise rural and lightly visited corner of the Pacific Northwest.
The park sits near the small community of Metaline Falls and close to the Canadian border. The surrounding landscape is characterized by conifer forest, rolling hills, and the broader Selkirk mountain ecosystem. Because of its remote location, Crawford State Park draws travelers who are already exploring the Pend Oreille County area or who specifically seek out the cave tour experience.
The park is relatively compact and does not offer overnight camping; it functions primarily as a day-use destination centered on ranger-led cave tours. Visitors who want to base themselves nearby typically stay in Metaline Falls, Metaline, or Ione — small towns within a short drive. The combination of the cave, forest scenery, and quiet northeastern Washington atmosphere gives the park a distinct character that rewards curious travelers willing to venture off the main highway corridors.
Before You Go
Cave Tour Availability
Gardner Cave tours are ranger-led and seasonal. The cave is generally open during summer months, but hours, tour schedules, and seasonal closures change year to year. Verify current tour times and availability directly with Washington State Parks before making the trip, as the drive from most population centers is long and arriving to a closed facility would be a significant inconvenience.
Discover Pass
Access to Washington State Parks day-use areas requires a valid Discover Pass displayed in your vehicle. Passes can be purchased online through the Washington State Parks website or at select retail locations. Verify current pricing on the official site.
What to Bring for the Cave
- Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip — cave surfaces can be slick
- Bring a light jacket or layer; cave temperatures remain cool year-round regardless of outside weather
- Arrive early enough to join a scheduled tour, as group sizes may be limited
Cell Service
Cell coverage in this part of Ferry and Pend Oreille counties is limited or absent. Download offline maps and have printed directions or a GPS device before departing.
Getting There
Crawford State Park is located approximately 2 miles north of the town of Metaline, Washington, off Highway 31 near the Canadian border. The nearest significant city is Spokane, Washington, which is roughly 100 miles to the south — plan on at least two hours of driving on two-lane rural roads.
There is no public transportation serving the park. A personal vehicle or rental car is essentially required. From Spokane, the most common route follows US-2 east, then heads north through Newport and up Highway 20 and Highway 31 through the Pend Oreille River Valley. The roads are generally well-maintained but winding and mountainous in sections; drive accordingly, especially after rain or early in spring when snow may linger at elevation.
Travelers arriving from British Columbia, Canada should note that the Frontier/Cascade border crossing near Laurier, Washington is relatively close. Check current US Customs and Border Protection wait times before crossing, and ensure all travel documents are in order.
Things to See & Do
Gardner Cave
The centerpiece of a visit is Gardner Cave, a limestone cavern featuring stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and other speleothem formations developed over thousands of years. The cave stretches over 1,000 feet in length, making it the longest cave in Washington open to the public. Access is by ranger-led tour only; self-guided entry is not permitted. Tour length and frequency vary by season — confirm details with the park before visiting.
Forest Trails and Picnicking
The park has a modest trail network through the surrounding old-growth and second-growth conifer forest. The setting is quiet and pleasant for a short walk, particularly in combination with a cave tour. Picnic facilities are available for day-use visitors.
Wildlife Observation
The broader Selkirk ecosystem in this part of Washington supports white-tailed deer, black bear, various raptors, and songbirds. Visitors with patience and quiet movement may observe wildlife along forest edges, particularly in early morning and evening hours.
Nearby Recreation
The park pairs well with nearby Boundary Dam and the Sullivan Lake Ranger District of the Colville National Forest, which offers more extensive hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities. Curlew Lake State Park to the west provides lakeside camping and fishing if an overnight stay is desired in the region.
Food & Drink
Crawford State Park itself has no food or beverage concessions. Pack all food, water, and snacks before arriving.
The nearest dining options are in the small towns of Metaline and Metaline Falls a few miles south of the park. These communities are very small and services are limited; hours for any businesses should be verified locally before counting on them. The town of Ione, slightly farther south, offers a modest additional selection of local services.
For a broader range of grocery stores, restaurants, and cafés, Spokane — roughly two hours away — is the practical resupply hub for travelers making the drive up to this region.
Practical Information
Restrooms and Facilities
Basic restroom facilities are available at the park during operating season. There are no shower facilities and no overnight camping at Crawford State Park itself.
Accessibility
The cave tour involves uneven, sometimes slick terrain and may not be fully accessible for visitors with limited mobility. Contact Washington State Parks in advance to discuss current accessibility conditions and any available accommodations.
Emergency Services
Ferry and Pend Oreille counties are rural with limited emergency response infrastructure. The nearest hospital facilities are in Spokane. Carry a first-aid kit, sufficient water, and let someone know your travel plans if you are exploring the area more broadly.
Pets
Check current Washington State Parks pet policy before bringing animals. Pets are typically not permitted inside the cave.
Official Information
Always consult the Washington State Parks official website for current hours, tour schedules, fee information, and any closures before your visit.
Safety
The park and surrounding area present few unusual safety concerns for attentive visitors. The primary considerations are the cave environment — which requires closed-toe shoes and a willingness to move carefully on uneven surfaces — and the remote rural setting that demands self-sufficiency.
Do not enter the cave outside of ranger-led tours. Beyond the obvious safety rationale, Gardner Cave is home to bat populations and disturbance to the ecosystem is regulated. Respect all posted boundaries.
When driving rural northeastern Washington roads, watch for deer and other wildlife crossing, particularly at dawn and dusk. Mountain weather can change quickly; carry appropriate layers even in summer. If hiking beyond the immediate park into the Colville National Forest, carry navigation tools, water, and inform someone of your itinerary.
