Crawford State Park

Home

Crawford State Park

Phone: (509) 446-4065
City: Mead
Address:
Mt. Spokane State Park,
N. 26107 Mt. Spokane Pk. Dr.,
Mead, WA

Located 11 miles north of Metaline, Wash., in the extreme northeastern corner of the state in Pend Oreille County.
Crawford State Park's central feature is the tourable Gardner Cave. With a slope length of 1,055 feet, the cave is the third longest limestone cavern in Washington.

    Park Overview

    Crawford State Park is a 49-acre, forested day-use park featuring Gardner Cave, the third longest limestone cavern in Washington. This tourable cave is filled with stalactites, stalagmites, rimstone pools and flow stone.

    Marine Park: No
    Popular Destination

    Park Hours

    Summer: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays).
    Winter: Closed Sept. 15, reopens May 15.

    Contact Mount Spokane State Park at (509) 238-4258 for information.

    Significant History

    Gardner Cave is the third longest limestone cavern in Washington. Its early history is unknown. Contemporary accounts indicate the cave was discovered in the summer of 1903 by Mr. Ed Gardner, who homesteaded a quarter section near the cave.

    Major Landmarks

    Gardner Cave is the state's third longest limestone cavern, with a slope length of 1,055 feet. The cave features stalactites, stalagmites, rimstone pools and flow stone.

    Interpretive Oportunities

    Free guided tours of the cave, led by an interpretive specialist, take place during the summer every two hours, beginning at 10 a.m. (closed Tuesdays and Wednesday). The tours, which last 30 to 40 minutes, include information about the cave and the surrounding area. Guides can accommodate up to 25 people per tour. To pre-arrange a tour for a group, call Crawford State Park at (509) 446-4065, or Mount Spokane State Park at (509) 238-4258.

    Directions provided by the state parks department are given below the map, or you can try to have google create the directions from the coordinates we have on file.


    [[Google map coming soon.]]

    Directions

    From Spokane:
    Take Hwy. 2 north to SR 211, and turn left. Continue on to SR 20, and turn left again, heading north. At Tiger, SR 20 turns left to Colville, but you should continue heading north on SR 31. Follow signs to Ione, Metaline and Metaline Falls. Once in Metaline, follow highway signs to Crawford State Park.
    MammalsBirdsFish & Sea LifePlantlife
    Bears
    Bobcats
    Chipmunks
    Coyotes
    Deer/Elk
    Moose
    Raccoons
    Skunks
    Squirrels
    Eagles
    Grouse
    Hawks
    Jays
    Osprey
    Owls
    Woodpeckers
    Cedar
    Douglas Fir
    Hemlocks
    Spruce
    Alders
    Birch Trees
    Maple Trees
    Lupines
    Paintbrush
    GeneralTrailsFreshwater ActivitiesSaltwater Activities
    Swimming
    The main activity at Crawford State Park is touring Gardner Cave. With large groups and holidays, extra tours can be given. Park staff limits tour size to 25 people. A call before arrival will help in accommodating large groups. Phone Crawford State Park at 509-446-4065, or Mount Spokane State Park at 509-238-4258.

    The surrounding area has many events and outdoor activities. Contact the Metaline Falls Chamber of Commerce and the National Forest Service. Metaline Falls is located in the Colville National Forest.

    Picnic Notes

    The park provides one kitchen shelter without electricity, plus two sheltered and eleven unsheltered picnic tables. All are available first come, first served. A restroom is also provided.

    Boating/Water Notes

    The nearest boat launch is at the Boundry Dam campground located outside the park on the Pend Oreille River.
    Park ServicesArea Services
    Camping Area
    Diesel
    Fishing and Hunting Supplies
    Gasolene
    Groceries
    Hardware
    Overnight Accomodations
    Pay Phones
    US Mail
    Propane
    Area services are located in Metaline, Metaline Falls, and Ione.