The tiny town of Metaline Falls sits nestled up in Pend Oreille County near the Canadian border. And with a population of 245, it’s safe to say most Washingtonians have never been. But if you do happen to make it to that corner of the state, exploring Gardner Cave is a must.

Gardner Cave is located at Crawford State Park, a 49-acre park that sits right by the Canadian Border.

Kevin W / TripAdvisor The park – and the cave – are open from mid-May until early September.

The cave was discovered in 1899 by Ed Gardner, when his horse stumbled into the sinkhole that marked its entrance.

Kevin W / TripAdvisor Its geologic history, of course, goes back much farther.

This was ocean floor about 500 million years ago, when shells of dead sea creatures decomposed into an ooze that would eventually become limestone.

D0000D / TripAdvisor The uplift of the Selkirk Mountains caused cracks in the limestone sediment. Later, water seeped into the cavern through the calcium-rich limestone, leading to these unique formations.

The cave is open to the public during the park’s open season, and all ages are welcome to explore it.

Buellers_Adventures / TripAdvisor Make sure to dress warmly, even in the summertime. The cave stays a constant 39 degrees.

Cave tours are offered Thursday - Monday from mid-May until early September,

RodoftheFlies / Flickr You’ll need a Discover Pass to get into the park.

If spelunking is something you think you might enjoy, check out Gardner Cave — and while you’re at it, add this one to your list.

Kevin W / TripAdvisor

The park – and the cave – are open from mid-May until early September.

Its geologic history, of course, goes back much farther.

D0000D / TripAdvisor

The uplift of the Selkirk Mountains caused cracks in the limestone sediment. Later, water seeped into the cavern through the calcium-rich limestone, leading to these unique formations.

Buellers_Adventures / TripAdvisor

Make sure to dress warmly, even in the summertime. The cave stays a constant 39 degrees.

RodoftheFlies / Flickr

You’ll need a Discover Pass to get into the park.

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