Centennial Trail

The Centennial Trail is the spine of Spokane's outdoor life, a paved multi-use path that follows the Spokane River from the Nine Mile Falls area through the city and east to the Idaho border, where it links to a longer trail system into North Idaho. In total the Washington section is roughly 37 miles, and it connects many of the places in this guide: Riverside State Park, Riverfront Park, Gonzaga University and neighborhoods along the river. Locals use it daily to walk, jog, bike and skate, and it is easily the best way to see how well Spokane's river was integrated into the city. For visitors, the trail is flexible. You can walk a short, flat section in Riverfront Park in an hour, rent a bike downtown and ride a longer stretch east or west, or take a more strenuous ride through the canyon toward Riverside State Park. Most of the surface is paved and smooth, so road bikes, e-bikes and strollers all work on many sections. Scenic highlights include views of the falls, the Monroe Street Bridge, the shaded river corridor, the Gonzaga campus, and the more rural open stretches toward Liberty Lake and the Idaho line.

To plan a ride, decide your direction. Heading downstream toward Riverside State Park gives the most dramatic natural scenery, but it includes hills and a few road crossings. Heading upstream east of downtown is flatter and more suburban, with parks and riverside rest areas. Many visitors rent a bike or e-bike in town; check availability, helmets and return times with the shop.

Bring water, sun protection and a layer, and obey trail etiquette: keep right, announce passing and slow near crossings. Some parts of the trail are shared with walkers and dogs on leashes, so maintain a courteous pace.

The trail is also a fine way to build a day around other attractions. Start at Riverfront Park, ride to the Bowl and Pitcher for a walk, and return for dinner downtown; or ride east to the neighborhoods near Gonzaga and stop at the Bing Crosby House. Because the trail is free and open throughout the year, it is a good budget option as well.

A useful trick for visitors is to ride one direction and return by another means, such as a rideshare back to downtown, so you cover more of the trail without doubling back. Look for mile markers and trailhead parking so you can plan short out-and-back rides. Pack a small repair kit if you ride your own bike, wear bright clothing near road crossings and carry cash or a card for coffee stops. Evenings in summer are especially pleasant, with warm light and a gentle breeze along the river.

Bike rental shops, trailhead parking, public restrooms and water fountains are spaced along many sections, but they are less common in the rural stretches, so plan ahead. Helmets are strongly recommended, and lights are required if you ride near dusk. Check local advisories after storms, because fallen branches, flooding or construction can close sections for short periods.