One of the best things about living in Washington is discovering all of its hidden nooks and crannies. Did you know that you can tour a cool, dark cave that happens to be located steps from the Canadian border? Gardner Cave is a 500-million-year-old cavern, and this hidden gem is worth exploring.
Gardner Cave is located in Crawford State Park, which is about 11 miles north of Metaline on the Canada–United States border in Pend Oreille County.
TourDeLensPhotogrphy / TripAdvisor Most Washingtonians don’t even know this state park exists, much less than it has a cave that’s open to the public.
While the park itself is beautiful, Gardner Cave is definitely the main attraction.
Kevin W / TripAdvisor This is the third longest karst cave in Washington, and it’s also the only one that’s open to the public. It also offers easy access and one of the most intriguing underground landscapes in the west.
From the parking lot, you’ll walk about 0.4 miles to the cave entrance, at which point you’ll descend about 900 feet into the cavern.
Management / TripAdvisor No matter when you go, you’ll want to dress in warm layers—the cave always stays cool. Make sure to wear closed-toed shoes and bring your own sources of light.
When this cave was mapped out in 1911, it was hailed as a natural wonder.
Kevin W / TripAdvisor We agree with this assessment. The cave floors, ceilings, and walls are rich with stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone and rimstone pools.
During the summer months, free cave tours are available at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. Thursday - Monday.
Rachel Willy / TripAdvisor If you’re interested in a tour, you’ll need to register online ahead of time. Flash photography is allowed inside the cave, so you’ll get some great shots.
Once you’ve explored the cave thoroughly, you can grab one of the park’s 10 picnic tables and enjoy some lunch, or hike the trail that takes you to the Canadian border.
Dave Thomas / Flickr If you call Eastern Washington home or you’ll be in the area next summer, add this adventure to your Washington bucket list.
Have you ever heard of Gardner Cave? Learn more about registering for a tour here.
TourDeLensPhotogrphy / TripAdvisor
Most Washingtonians don’t even know this state park exists, much less than it has a cave that’s open to the public.
Kevin W / TripAdvisor
This is the third longest karst cave in Washington, and it’s also the only one that’s open to the public. It also offers easy access and one of the most intriguing underground landscapes in the west.
Management / TripAdvisor
No matter when you go, you’ll want to dress in warm layers—the cave always stays cool. Make sure to wear closed-toed shoes and bring your own sources of light.
We agree with this assessment. The cave floors, ceilings, and walls are rich with stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone and rimstone pools.
Rachel Willy / TripAdvisor
If you’re interested in a tour, you’ll need to register online ahead of time. Flash photography is allowed inside the cave, so you’ll get some great shots.
Dave Thomas / Flickr
If you call Eastern Washington home or you’ll be in the area next summer, add this adventure to your Washington bucket list.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Gardner Cave, Boundary Rd, Metaline Falls, WA 99153, USA
