Named for its discoverer, Edward E. Gardner, the cave lies within Crawford State Park, named for its later owner, William H. Crawford, who ultimately donated the land surrounding the cave to the State of Washington foe public use. The cave is the major, if not only, attraction within the park.
At the muster point are washrooms and a large parking lot/picnic area while near the cave entrance is a half mile trail which leads one to the Canadian Border.
Accidentally discovered circa 1900, Gardner Cave was deeded to the State of Washington in 1921 but not developed for tourism until 1955. In the interim it was left to the whim of whoever could find it and suffered substantial vandalism. Many stalagmites and stalactites were broken off (most, in fact), destroying much of the natural beauty of the cave. It is still a beautiful cave inside, with smaller stalagmites and stalactites, rimstone pools and flow stone. At the bottom end of the tour is an exceptional column (see below), a form created when stalactites and stalagmites meet, which reaches up from a formation of flow stone all the way to the roof of the cavern, a total of about 12 feet.
The year round temperature inside is about 39 to 42 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result, the only known inhabitant is a packrat ot two.
In the late 1970s facilities at the cave were improved, with steel stairs and walkways built and improved lighting installed. The 2,072 foot long cave is now open for much less than half its total distance and is accessible only via guided tours. As a result, coordinates given are at the tour starting point, from which one walks with the tour guide 200 yards through forest to the cave entrance. Though there is a day use fee for the park, the cave tour is free. Tours take place at 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00. The park is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays and closes Sept. 2, reopening May 22.
Following is a bit of the story of the cave, from the State of Washington.
Crawford State Park
Heritage Site
This 49-acre forested day-use park features Gardner Cave, one of the longest limestone caverns in Washington. This tourable cave is filled with stalactites, stalagmites, rimstone pools and flowstone.
The park is located 11 miles north of the town of Metaline in the extreme northeast corner of Washington state. From the parking lot, a paved trail leads up a small hill about 200 yards to the cave entrance. Cave lights, stairways and walkways provide safety for visitors and protection for the natural resource.
History
Pend Oreille County-settler Edward E. Gardner lends his name to Gardner Cave as its apparent discoverer circa 1900, although there are other discovery claims. Gardner Cave was reportedly found during a hunting foray by the homesteader, farmer, placer miner, future
Metaline saloon keeper and alleged bootlegger during Prohibition. Edward Gardner homesteaded adjacent land on the Pend Oreille River, but never owned the cave.
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.
From the Washington Parks
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