Crescent Lake Campground

US Forest Service campground. 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. Not reservable through Recreation.gov, so plan on first-come, first-served; check with the ranger district for current conditions and fees.