TrailBlog > Destination: Washington State’s Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail

America’s Trails

Destination: Washington State’s Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail

By: Cindy Barks
July 26, 2024

Riders pass the Washington/Idaho state line into Idaho, where the trail becomes the North Idaho Centennial Trail and continues on toward Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and to the east. Photo by Cindy Barks

This photo essay features Washington’s Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail, a nearly 40-mile route that stretches from the Idaho border, through Spokane, to Nine Mile Falls.

Fun Fact: Along the way, you can visit the site of the 1974 World’s Fair!

Tap thumbnail to view photo gallery.

Washington’s Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail traverses the Kendall Yards business area near downtown Spokane. Photo by Cindy Barks

Spectacular views of Spokane Falls are visible from bridges located in Spokane’s Riverfront Park and in the downtown area. Photo by Cindy Barks

The Numerica SkyRide in Spokane’s Riverfront Park offers an up-close look at Spokane Falls and the surrounding area. Photo by Cindy Barks

Front Runners club members enjoy the newly completed 3.5-mile connector to the Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail that reaches the opposite side of the Spokane River in the city’s downtown area. Photo by Cindy Barks

The 122-year-old Great Northern Clocktower, located in downtown Spokane’s 100-acre Riverfront Park, is still hand-wound on a regular schedule. It marks the spot where the historic railroad depot once stood. Photo by Cindy Barks

The trail is operated by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission in cooperation with the City of Spokane’s Parks and Recreation Department. Photo by Cindy Barks

This image depicts a view of the Spokane River from the Deep Creek Canyon area of Riverside State Park along the Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail. Photo by Cindy Barks

The Deep Creek Bridge is one of many bridges and landmarks along the 40-mile Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail. Photo by Cindy Barks

The 1902-era Great Northern Clocktower is a prominent landmark along the Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail and downtown Spokane’s stretch of the Spokane River. Photo by Cindy Barks

A nighttime view of the entrance to Spokane’s Riverfront Park shows the Riverfront Rotary Fountain and the Great Northern Clocktower in the distance. Photo by Cindy Barks

Spokane’s Riverfront Park offers numerous attractions, including the Spokane Pavilion, originally built as the U.S. Federal Pavilion for the Expo ’74 World’s Fair and later restored as an event space. Photo by Cindy Barks

The smooth, paved surface of the Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail makes it a popular spot for runners and bicyclists, especially near Riverfront Park and the Gonzaga University campus. Photo by Cindy Barks

In downtown Spokane, the trail enters Riverfront Park. Photo by Cindy Barks

A popular spot along the Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail is the bridge crossing over Deep Creek as it flows into the Spokane River. Photo by Cindy Barks

The Deep Creek Canyon section of the Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail offers scenic river views. Photo by Cindy Barks

Approaching the Washington/Idaho state line on the eastern portion of the Spokane River trail, a bridge marks the start of the connecting North Idaho Centennial Trail. Photo by Cindy Barks

Scooters are available for rent at multiple sites in downtown Spokane and are allowed on the Spokane River trail, as are skateboards and pedal-assist e-bikes. Photo by Cindy Barks

Bicyclists ride the section of the Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail in Riverside State Park on the western end of the 40-mile trail. Photo by Cindy Barks

The Spokane River trail passes under the historical Monroe Bridge and heads toward Spokane’s Kendall Yards business area. Photo by Cindy Barks

Riders pass the Washington/Idaho state line into Idaho, where the trail becomes the North Idaho Centennial Trail and continues on toward Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and to the east. Photo by Cindy Barks

Green Issue 2024

In this all-multimedia issue, we examine the joy and impact that trails bring. Celebrating your child learning to ride a bike, or the accomplishment of achieving your first 10K. The wonder in experiencing new and otherworldly landscapes, and the way the trail helped grow thriving trailside businesses that blossomed into a regional economy. The important role the trail serves as a new route through town to get to school.

Explore Green Issue

Tags: America’s Trails Photo Essay
States: Washington

Cindy Barks

Cindy Barks

Cindy Barks is a freelance writer/photographer and Arizona newspaper reporter who has covered trails extensively in her community and in the southwestern U.S. She writes a travel and hiking blog at nearandfaraz.com.