Crawford State Park (Washington) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Crawford State Park Heritage Site |
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Formation in Gardner Cave
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 Crawford State Park Heritage Site
Location in Washington (state)
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| Location | Pend Oreille, Washington, United States |
| Area | 40 acres (16 ha) |
| Elevation | 2,713 ft (827 m) |
| Established | 1921 |
| Operator | Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission |
| Website | Crawford State Park Heritage Site |
Crawford State Park Heritage Site is a special place in Washington. It's a state park that covers about 40 acres. You can find it about 11 miles north of Metaline. It's also very close to the Canada–United States border in Pend Oreille County.
The park is famous for Gardner Cave. This is one of the longest natural limestone caves in Washington state. The cave is super long, stretching over 2,000 feet! Inside, you can see amazing rock formations. These include stalactites, stalagmites, rimstone pools, and flowstone. The park is open at certain times of the year and offers guided tours of the cave.
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What is Crawford State Park Heritage Site?
Crawford State Park Heritage Site is a protected area. It is managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. The park's main attraction is Gardner Cave. This cave shows off incredible natural beauty. It's a great spot to learn about geology and explore underground wonders.
Exploring Gardner Cave
Gardner Cave is a natural wonder. It formed over many years from limestone. As water dripped through the rock, it created unique shapes.
- Stalactites hang down from the cave ceiling, like icicles made of rock.
- Stalagmites grow up from the cave floor.
- Flowstone looks like frozen waterfalls on the cave walls.
- Rimstone pools are small pools of water with mineral edges.
These formations make the cave a fascinating place to visit. Park rangers lead tours to help visitors explore safely.
How Did Crawford State Park Get Its Name?
The park and its cave have interesting names. They are named after people who played a part in their history.
The Discovery of Gardner Cave
The cave is named after a man called Ed Gardner. People say he found the cave around the year 1899. Imagine discovering such a huge cave!
How the Park Was Established
The park itself is named after William Crawford. He owned the land where the cave is located. In 1921, William Crawford gave the land to the state of Washington. This is how Crawford State Park Heritage Site was officially created. It became a protected area for everyone to enjoy.
