USFS · Campground · Fee
Crescent lake is a beautiful 21.6 acre, emerald green lake. This lake is located nine miles north of Metaline Falls, WA, and just one mile south of the Canadian border. Open season runs from the last Saturday in April through October 31. This lake receives annual plantings of rainbow trout. A small rustic, three site campground lies just above the lake. Amenities include: tables, fire rings, a concrete vault toilet, and an animal proof garbage can. No potable water is available. It is best suited for small RV's or tent camping. History: Bill Buffington was interviewed by John Ogmundson about his younger days and trails in the early 1900's up near Metaline Falls, Washington. Bill talked about there being a lot of gold washers coming up the river. They would come up the old mining trail from Waneta where the last bridge is on the river before it goes into the Columbia. That trail came all the way up the Columbia River and around the west bank of the Pend Oreille all the way down to Metaline Falls at the top of the hill, also known as old Blue Ribbon Trail. Cooper's trail was a good wide trail he said. A trail out to Coooper's cook shack used to cross the river at Z Canyon, where one of the forks led up to an old cabin above Crescent Lake.
From the USFS.
No. Crescent Lake Campground charges a fee. It is managed by the USFS. Sites are reservable through fs.usda.gov.
From the junction of State Highway 20, follow State Highway 31 north for 25.7 miles through the towns of Ione, Metaline and Metaline Falls. Turn west onto the Vista House Road (Forest Road 3165000) and drive 0.25 mile to the campground entrance.
No other services within 50 mi on the record.
SourceData from the USFS. Last synced September 18, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.