Crawford: Overview
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.Want to support Washington State Parks? Get involved by joining a friends' group. For more information, visit the Friends' Group web page.
Park hours/updates:
Summer: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays).
Winter: Closed Sept. 15, reopens May 17.
Contact Mount Spokane State Park at (509) 238-4258 for information.
Agency information:
Don't move firewood: Please protect the Pacific Northwest from invasive species by obtaining or purchasing your firewood at or near your camping destination (within 50 miles). Firewood can carry insects and diseases that threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by buying and burning your firewood locally. For more information, visit online at www.dontmovefirewood.org or the Washington Invasive Species Council website.
The Discover Pass now can be used on either of two vehicles!Annual pass: $30
One-day pass: $10
(Transaction and dealer fees may apply)
A Discover Pass is required for motor-vehicle access to state parks and recreation lands managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.
Exemptions: Your purchase of the Discover Pass supports recreation on state lands. However, the Discover Pass is not required if you are camping or renting overnight accommodations, for the duration of your stay at that state park. For additional exemptions and more information, please visit the Discover Pass website.
Campsite Information:
Crawford State Park has no overnight camping. Seattle City Light has a campground, with standard campsites and restrooms, next to Boundary Dam, one mile outside of the park.Park Features
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.
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.Interpretive opportunities
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.Services/Supplies
| Available in the area | |
| • Camping • Diesel • Fishing/hunting • Gasoline • Groceries • Hardware • Overnight Accommodations • Pay phone • Postal service • Propane • Swimming |
Area services are located in Metaline, Metaline Falls, and Ione.
Activities
| Trails | Water Activities | Other |
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. | ||
Events
Free days at state parks: Visit Washington state parks for free. The Discover Pass is not required to visit a state park on ten designated free days in 2013.
The 2013 State Parks free days are as follows:
Jan. 21 – In honor of Martin Luther King Day
March 30 – In honor of Washington State Parks' 100th birthday on March 19
April 27 and 28 – National Parks Week
June 1 – National Trails Day
June 8 and 9 – National Get Outdoors Day and Department of Fish and Wildlife Free Fishing weekend
Aug. 4 – Peak season free day
Sept. 28 – National Public Lands Day
Nov. 9 through 11 – Veteran's Day weekend
Please note: A Discover Pass is still required to access lands managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife during State Parks free days. For more information, please visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
The 2013 State Parks free days are as follows:
Jan. 21 – In honor of Martin Luther King Day
March 30 – In honor of Washington State Parks' 100th birthday on March 19
April 27 and 28 – National Parks Week
June 1 – National Trails Day
June 8 and 9 – National Get Outdoors Day and Department of Fish and Wildlife Free Fishing weekend
Aug. 4 – Peak season free day
Sept. 28 – National Public Lands Day
Nov. 9 through 11 – Veteran's Day weekend
Please note: A Discover Pass is still required to access lands managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife during State Parks free days. For more information, please visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
Find other events at Washington State Parks
Boating Features
The nearest boat launch is at the Boundry Dam campground located outside the park on the Pend Oreille River.Picnic and Day-use Facilities
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.Wildlife
| Mammals | Birds | Fish & Sea Life |
| • Bears • Bobcats • Chipmunks • Coyotes • Deer or Elk • Moose • Raccoons • Skunks • Squirrels | • Eagles • Grouse • Hawks • Jays • Ospreys • Owls • Woodpeckers |
Environmental Features
| Physical Features | Plant Life | ||
| 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. | • Cedar • Douglas Fir • Hemlock • Spruce • Alder • Birch • Maple • Lupines • Paintbrush |
