The Centennial Trail: Spokane's 37-Mile Riverside Cycling Crown Jewel

The Centennial Trail is Spokane's crown jewel — 37 miles of paved path tracing the Spokane River from Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane all the way to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. It's the trail that connects the city, passing through pine forests, riverside parks, and urban corridors with easy access from downtown. For cyclists of every kind, it's the perfect ride: flat, scenic, and endlessly customizable.

Trail Overview

The Centennial Trail starts at the Spokane River near Riverfront Park and heads east through the city, following the river through Gonzaga University, the Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, and across the Idaho state line to Coeur d'Alene. The western segment through Spokane is more urban; the eastern segment gets progressively more scenic with river views and pine forests. The entire trail is paved, well-maintained, and rideable year-round.

Best Segments to Ride

You don't have to ride all 37 miles — the Centennial Trail has numerous trailheads, so you can choose a segment that fits your time and energy. The Riverfront Park to Gonzaga segment is a classic downtown cruise. The Spokane Valley segment from Barker Road to Liberty Lake offers the best riverside scenery. And the Idaho segment from the state line to Coeur d'Alene is a beautiful ride through pine forest to a lakeside finish.

Who Is It For?

The Centennial Trail is for everyone. It's the perfect family ride — flat, paved, and packed with places to stop for food, a swim, or a view. It's a great commuter route connecting neighborhoods to downtown. It's a fitness ride for road cyclists logging miles without traffic. And it's the perfect warm-up or recovery ride for mountain bikers heading to Beacon Hill or Riverside State Park.

Tips for a Great Ride

Park at any of the many trailheads along the route — Riverfront Park, Mirabeau Point, Barker Road, or Liberty Lake. Bring water and snacks, especially for longer segments. The trail is shared with walkers, runners, and families, so ride at a reasonable speed and call out passes. In summer, the riverside segments offer shade and the chance to stop for a swim.

The Centennial Trail is proof that the best rides don't always require a mountain bike and a long drive. Sometimes, the best ride is right through the heart of your city, along a river, under the pines.