The 40-mile Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail winds through eastern Washington from Nine Mile Recreation Area on Lake Spokane to the Idaho border. The mixed-use trail passes through high desert Ponderosa pine forests, basalt canyons, hip urban centers and cultural heritage sites.
Hardy hikers, cyclists, inline skaters and other foot-powered travelers will find a delightful, insightful adventure on this rural-urban trail. The Riverside State Park section of trail also is horse-friendly.
The trail follows the Spokane River over bridges and trestles, and alongside the tumultuous eddies, large basalt formations and turquoise waters of Riverside State Park; it then heads east through historic downtown Spokane, a welcoming lunch or overnight stop. Keep hoofing or pedaling east into the valley, where Arbor Crest Winery and Antoine Peak views are interspersed with the urban and suburban conveniences of Spokane Valley. Once in Idaho, it is possible to hike or ride all the way to Coeur d'Alene on the North Idaho Centennial Trail.
More than 40 historically significant sites dot the trail, including Slaughter Camp Monument, the place where, in 1858, Colonel George Wright and his troops rounded up and killed 800 Indian horses to discourage future uprisings. Visitors also can see the remains of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp, the site of the 1974 World's Fair (in Spokane) and the Great Northern Railroad depot clock tower, built in 1902. The Deep Creek Canyon part of the trail is home to fossil beds surveyed by the Center for Northwest Anthropology at Washington State University.
Several trailheads and access points allow visitors to break the route into smaller sections, though many trail users tackle its entire length on a long bike ride or multi-day hike.
The park also plays host to many events – marathons, triathlons, bike races and fundraising walks and runs, making it a great place to meet like-minded fitness buffs.
PARK FEATURES
The 40-mile, 526-acre Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail winds through eastern Washington from Nine Mile Recreation Area on Lake Spokane to the Idaho border. The mixed-use trail passes through high desert ponderosa pine forests, basalt canyons, hip urban centers and cultural heritage sites. The Riverside State Park section of the trail also is horse-friendly. The trail was dedicated and named to honor Washington's 989 Centennial celebration.
ADA AMENITIES/FACILITIES
Restroom
Hiking trail
ACTIVITIES
TRAILS
37 miles of bike trails
37 miles of hiking trails
WATER ACTIVITIES & FEATURES
Canoeing
Fishing (freshwater)
Kayaking
Rafting
Swimming
WINTER ACTIVITIES & FEATURES
Cross-country skiing
Snowshoeing
OTHER ACTIVITIES & FEATURES
Bird watching
Mountain biking
Wildlife viewing
CAMPSITE INFORMATION
This is a day-use park, but two campgrounds are available at nearby Riverside State Park, located at mile 31 of the Centennial Trail. The Bowl and Pitcher area campground has 16 standard campsites, 16 partial-hookup sites with electricity and water, one dump station and two restrooms both with showers. Maximum site length is 45 feet (limited availability). The Nine Mile Recreation Area, 2 miles past the end of the trail, has three tent sites and 21 RV sites of varying length.