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Washington
12

Washington State Parks

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USA Parks
Washington
Rocky Mountain Gateway Region
Crawford State Park
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Crawford State Park © Mark Wagner / CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Warning sign at the northern end of the Canada Eh trail in Crawford State Park.
Crawford State Park © Mark Wagner / CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The lower gate at the main entrance of Gardner Cave in Crawford State Park.
Crawford State Park © Mark Wagner / CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The interior entrance staircase to Gardner Cave in Crawford State Park.
Crawford State Park © Loyce Akers
Crawford State Park © Loyce Akers
Crawford State Park © Loyce Akers
Crawford State Park © Loyce Akers
Crawford State Park © Loyce Akers
Crawford State Park © Loyce Akers
Crawford State Park © Loyce Akers
Crawford State Park © Loyce Akers
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CRAWFORD STATE PARK
CRAWFORD STATE PARK
10381 Boundary Road
Metaline Falls, Washington   99152
(lat:48.9947 lon:-117.3696) map location

Phone: 509-446-4065
Crawford State Park is a 40-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. 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.

Nature of the Area
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.
History of the Area
Metaline businessman William H. Crawford operated a general store and acquired ownership of about 160 acres that included Gardner's Cave in 1920. This was likely an investment opportunity given the local potential for timber, placer and hardrock metals within the Metaline Mining District.

Crawford's investment was short lived as he deeded 40 acres containing the cave to Washington State Parks in 1921 for public purposes, after logging the land.

A 1911 federal land survey assigned a length of 1,100 feet to what they called Little Mammoth Cave a natural wonder of considerable interest. Gardner Cave is significant as an uncommon limestone cavern in Washington that is accessible to the public.
Passes
A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the Discover Pass web page.
Camping
Crawford State Park Heritage Site has no overnight camping. Seattle City Light has a campground, with standard campsites and restrooms, next to Boundary Dam, 1 mile outside of the park.

Boating
The nearest boat launch is at the Boundry Dam campground located outside the park on the Pend Oreille River.


Location
Crawford State Park is

Picnicking
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.
Trails
1. Whistle Lake Trail: A 3.5-mile loop trail that offers scenic views of the lake and surrounding forest, suitable for all skill levels.

2. Heart O' The Hills Campground Loop: This easy-to-moderate difficulty level trail is about a mile long with beautiful wildflowers along the path during springtime.

3. Boundary West End Trail: An approximately two miles out-and-back hiking route featuring stunning vistas of Crawford State Park's diverse landscapes; it's moderately challenging due to its steep sections.

4. Gardner Cave Tour Route: It includes an exciting tour inside Washington's third-longest limestone cave which stretches over half a mile in length - this short but unique hike requires guided supervision provided by park rangers.

5. Crawford Overlook Trail: A relatively flat one-mile round trip offering panoramic views overlooking Crawford Lake from atop high cliffs - perfect for bird watching or sunset viewing sessions.

6. Pine Forest Pathway: Approximately three miles long, this pathway winds through dense pine forests providing hikers with ample shade and tranquility throughout their journey.

7. Wildflower Meadow Walk: During late spring/early summer months, visitors can enjoy walking on this less than a mile track surrounded by blooming meadows filled with colorful native flowers like lupines and Indian paintbrushes.

8. Lake Shoreline Stroll: Ideal for families or beginner-level hikers who prefer leisurely walks around picturesque lakeshores while observing local wildlife such as ducks, beavers etc., at close quarters.

9. Mountain View Track: For more experienced adventurers seeking strenuous hikes leading up to breathtaking mountainous viewpoints showcasing snow-capped peaks against clear blue skies.

10. Rocky Ridge Ramble: Rough terrains marked by rocky ridges make these trails slightly difficult yet thrilling especially when traversed under expert guidance.
Area Attractions
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.

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Directions
Located 11 miles north of Metaline, Wash., in the extreme northeastern corner of the state in Pend Oreille County.

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.

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Washington
12

Washington State Parks

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