Crawford State Park is way out in the middle of nowhere and it mostly consists of the Gardner Cave. The big reason I came here is I was visiting family member graduating from college in Spokane Valley. There is a small trail from the cave to the Canadian Border to checkout "The Slash" which is name of the section of trees that are clear cut between the United States and Canada for some 5,000 miles or so from Maine to Alaska. This trail is only about a 1/4 mile long up to the border. There is a picnic table at the end. This report is really about Gardner Cave which is what I did while there. This is a guided tour that you must make reservations online unless you get there and there is room. The cave maintains a 39 degrees year round so have a jacket. Times are 10:00 12:00 2:00 and 4:00. 12:00 is the one that will likely have kids on it. No food or beverages of any kind are allowed to include water. Cameras are fine. There is a water faucet you can use if thirsty right next to the cave. There is a small but short climb up the trail to the cave. This cave is not very big so the tour is very short. The Ranger(Geologist) that spoke on our tour was very knowledgeable on the cave and made the tour enjoyable. Checkout the video of this hike below by click on the link or go to my vimeo channel https://vimeo.com/user81914660 and checkout over 420 hikes I have done in several states and countries.
Hint: I would suggest if going here to get your best bang for your buck and find something else to see nearby. There are several short hikes to waterfalls and dams along the way that maybe worth seeing to add to the enjoyment. Mount Spokane is one of them with many trails. The weather was lighting and raining on top so I did not try it. Other trails nearby are Flume Creek Trail, Abercrombie Trail, Abercrombie Mountain, Section of the Pacific Northwest Trail and Riverside Canyon Overlook. BEWARE: This is Grizzly Country up near the Canadian Border and in Idaho and you are only ten miles straight from Idaho. Please carry bear spray and try to hike with someone if possible. Grizzlys have been reported in North Eastern Washington. We are also introducing Grizzly back into the North Cascades of Washington at about ten per year for the next ten years so be aware of this for the future. Having hiked extensive in Alberta Canadian and talk to people there the best thing is bear spray for a detert but only if its in the ready to fire position and most people attacked had it in their backpack and that serves no purpose.
As always get out and see this beautiful state and enjoy your hiking!
Take Care
Mike
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