A Washington state park cave near Metaline Falls, about 2,072 feet long and 39–42°F, with free tours from mid-May that book up weeks ahead.
The story
Hailed as a 'natural wonder' by a 1911 federal land survey, Gardner Cave is one of Washington's longest caves. The cave is over 500 million years old and measures approximately 2,072 feet long and 295 feet deep. It is located in Crawford State Park, a 40-acre forested day-use park. The cave offers access to an intriguing underground landscape.
History source: parks.wa.gov.
Tickets and timing
- Adults
- Free tour (park entry needs a Discover Pass)
- Hours
- From May 15: Thu–Mon at 10am, noon, 2pm and 4pm; kids and family tour daily at noon.
- Booking
- Reservations required, often several weeks ahead; no walk-ins. Discover Pass $10/day or $45/year.
Getting around underground
- The walk
- Steep 200-yard walk from the parking lot, then several flights of stairs on slippery surfaces.
Dogs, weather and what to wear
- Dogs
- Not in the cave; leashed in the day-use area.
- Temperature
- 39–42°F
Good to know
- Minimum age
- Guests under 5 are recommended to participate in the Kids and Family tour available daily at noon.
- Best time to go
- Cave tours are often fully booked several weeks in advance; park open seasonally May 15 through Sept. 15.
- Photos
- Flash photography is allowed.
- Wildlife
- Animals, including pets and emotional support companions, are not permitted in the cave; trained service animals are permitted. Leashed pets are welcome in the day-use area.
Getting there
425 Gardner Cave Road, Metaline Falls, WA 99152
Parking: Parking available; overnight parking not allowed.
Directions in Google MapsDistances are straight-line from each city center.
Before you go
- Bring a light jacket and closed-toe shoes.
- Flash photography is allowed.
Questions people ask
How cold is it inside Gardner Cave?
39–42°F.
Are dogs allowed at Gardner Cave?
Not in the cave; leashed in the day-use area.
Do you need to book Gardner Cave in advance?
Reservations required, often several weeks ahead; no walk-ins. Discover Pass $10/day or $45/year.
Is there a minimum age for Gardner Cave?
Guests under 5 are recommended to participate in the Kids and Family tour available daily at noon.
Where is Gardner Cave?
425 Gardner Cave Road, Metaline Falls, WA 99152
Checked on 2026-10-22 against parks.wa.gov (Crawford State Park Heritage Site page). Prices and hours change, so confirm on the official site before you drive out.