Crawford State Park - Gardner Cave

Eastern WashingtonBest May–Sep

Descend 90 feet underground into Washington's third-longest limestone cave, where formations took 90,000 years to build.

1 miDistance
200ftElevation
2,700ftHigh Point
Out & BackRoute
12h+Drive
moderateCrowds
Great in rain

About This Trail

Gardner Cave sits inside tiny Crawford State Park near Metaline in Washington's remote northeast corner. The "hike" itself is short, just a steep paved path up to the cave entrance, but the real experience is underground. Guided tours drop you 90 feet below the surface into a limestone gallery featuring stalactites, stalagmites, the 7.8-ton Gardner Column (the largest in the Pacific Northwest), and the 90,000-year-old Christmas Tree formation.

The cave holds a steady 41 to 43 degrees year-round, so bring a jacket even in August. Tours run Thursday through Monday from mid-May through mid-September, with slots at 10 AM, noon, 2 PM, and 4 PM. Only 20 people per tour. Show up at least an hour early or reserve ahead through the Riverside State Park Foundation at 509-238-4258, because the popular slots fill fast.

The cave was discovered in 1899 when Ed Gardner's horse stumbled into the sinkhole entrance. One firm rule: never touch the cave walls. Oil from skin causes irreparable damage to the calcite formations. The park closes for winter and typically reopens in mid-May.

Astronomy

MoonWaning Gibbous (70%)
Stargazingexcellent

Trail Conditions

Scorecard

strikingBeautyAncient limestone formations sculpted over millennia, hidden beneath the Selkirk foothills
Type 1Fun
1/5Difficulty
2/5Wildness
1/5Exposure
4/5Reward
1/5Effort

Safety & Considerations

Today's Hazard

  • Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended

Persistent Hazards

  • slippery cave surfaces
  • constant 41-43F temperature underground
  • limited tour availability

Getting There

Google MapsApple Maps
Parking

Small lot at Crawford State Park. Discover Pass required. This is a remote location roughly 2.5 hours north of Spokane.

Approach

Short, steep paved path from the parking area up to the cave entrance. The walk is brief but the grade is noticeable. The cave tour itself is the main attraction, not the trail.

Timing

Plan around the tour schedule: 10 AM, noon, 2 PM, or 4 PM, Thursday through Monday, mid-May to mid-September. Arrive at least one hour before your target tour time. Combine with other Selkirk-area trails to justify the long drive.

Similar Hikes

Dishman Hills Conservation Area - Flying L Trail
Dishman Hills Conservation Area - Flying L TrailEastern Washington · 2.2 miPonderosa pine savanna and early-season wildflowers on the eastern edge of Spokane Valley.
Big Tree Botanical Area
Big Tree Botanical AreaEastern Washington · 2.3 miA short interpretive walk past 900-year-old western larch trees in the Colville National Forest.
South Hill Bluff
South Hill BluffEastern Washington · 23 miA sprawling network of bluff trails above Hangman Creek with spring wildflower displays and city-edge solitude.
Riverside State Park - Trail 25
Riverside State Park - Trail 25Eastern Washington · 25 miTwenty-five miles of singletrack winding through Spokane's biggest park along the Spokane River.
Noisy CreekEastern Washington · 5.3 miA rugged Selkirk creek trail that rewards persistence with old-growth forest and mountain views above Sullivan Lake.
Mount Spokane State Park - Trail 110Eastern Washington · 7.5 miThe backbone trail of Mount Spokane State Park, climbing through old growth to a high junction where three peaks fan out.

Sources & Data

WTA →