Try the Centennial Trail

What single attraction in the Inland Northwest brings in more than 1 million visitors a year? The answer is the Centennial Trail, a 61-mile path that offers scenic hiking, biking, jogging or walking opportunities. It spans Washington and Idaho and covers territory right next to the Spokane River, the downtowns of Spokane and Coeur d'Alene and some of the greatest scenery in the area.

Users will find benches, bathrooms, and plenty of spots to pull off for a picnic or visit nearby attractions. With cooperative public and private management in both states, the trail is always in good condition.

Mile one starts at the state line, at I-90 Exit 299, and travels 22.5 miles west to Riverfront Park. From there the trail heads northwest for 37 miles, ending at Riverside State Park, home to Nine Mile Reservoir and Nine Mile Dam.

Many trail access points along I-90 make it easy to hop on and enjoy the varying features and terrains. Division Street Exit 281 directs you to the Downtown Miracle Mile. Going north from the Freya Street exit (283B), just over the Spokane River, trail visitors can park, walk east to the Minnehaha Rocks in the John T. Shield Park. Plantes Ferry Park, near milemarker 13 in the City of Spokane Valley, is a great spot for family picnics. Twenty-four miles of trail await east of the state line as well, ending at Higgens Point on Lake Coeur d'Alene.

For more information about the Centennial Trail call Friends of the Centennial Trail at 509-624-7188 or visit SpokaneCentennialTrail.org or NorthIdahoCentennialTrail.org.