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.

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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.

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