Centennial Trail - Spokane, Washington - Trail that Offers Views of the Tranquil Spokane River and Bustling Downtown

The Spokane River Centennial Trail starts at the Idaho state line and extends until Nine Mile Falls, Washington. The trail's path travels along the contour of the Spokane River and allows for a large variety of outdoor recreational activities. The metropolitan center of the trail is located in the downtown area of Spokane and then branches out to the rural eastern and western endpoints.

There are about 37 miles of riverfront trail that is paved. There are three different sections of the trail near Spokane region. There is the bustling section of downtown Spokane near Riverfront Park, the eastern terrain that is calm and peaceful, and the hilly section above the river to the west. Most of the area away from the Spokane center is hot and desert like and without services other than water points and restrooms. Benches and picnic tables can be found near the river along with frequent rest stops. The overall trail is wide and allows for hikers, bikers, roller bladers, and footed traffic. Leisure strolls or intense and energetic workouts can be accomplished on the trail.

The more urban section of the trail begins near milepost 17 and follows along the Spokane River. Ample restrooms and convenient parking is located just east of the Upriver Dam and at the intersection of Frederick Avenue and Upriver Drive. The trail begins between Upriver Drive and the Spokane River immediately across from the parking and restroom area.

At approximately milepost 20, the Centennial Trail and Upriver Drive intersect with Mission Avenue. Here visitors will find restrooms, water, and more picnic tables. These facilities are located one block after the intersection and left at the Perry Street crossing. The route will take trail goers south through the parking lot in Mission Park. At this location the trail becomes its own paved route and leads to Hamilton Street through the Gonzaga University campus. The college campus is full of lush trees and greenery and provides a great walk or jog. At milepost 21.5 there is a crossing of the Don Kardong Bridge and a short distance ahead is the Miracle Mile Medallions (at about milepost 22). This route leads into Riverfront Park in the heart of the city.

Downtown lodging options in the area include the famed Davenport Hotel, Hotel Lusso, the Montvale Hotel, Doubletree Hotel, and the Travel Lodge. If biking the trail in this area, the use of Howard Street at the west end of Riverside Park is required to access the lodging and downtown accommodations. Bicycles are not allowed on Division Street or Highway 395 the city limits.

Trail goers must abide by various rules and etiquette established by the Washington State Parks as guidelines in keeping the trail a safe environment. The trail hours are from dawn to dusk all year-round and pedestrians have the right away at all times on the paved trail. No alcoholic beverages are allowed on the trail and the speed limit is just 15 miles per hour no matter what means of transportation. Trail goers are encouraged to pack out what they have brought in and not to disturb any plants or animals. Pets are welcome but must remain under control and on a six foot or shorter leash. Horses are also allowed and have the right away on all soft trails.