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Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail: Epic 37-Mile Journey Through Eastern Washington’s Diverse Landscapes
Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail offers adventurers an extraordinary 37-mile journey showcasing the diverse and scenic terrain of eastern Washington from Nine Mile Falls to the Idaho border. This remarkable linear trail passes through high desert ponderosa pine forests, dramatic basalt canyons, vibrant urban centers, and significant cultural heritage sites while following the historic Spokane River corridor through some of the region’s most spectacular landscapes.
Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail Fast Facts
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Nine Mile Falls to Idaho Border, Spokane County, Washington |
| Address | 9711 W. Charles Road, Nine Mile Falls, WA 99026 |
| Length | 37 miles |
| Coordinates | 47.79268°N, 117.56695°W (western terminus) |
| Established | Completed for Washington State Centennial (1989) |
| Designation | National Recreation Trail (2010) |
| Key Features | Spokane River corridor, basalt canyons, urban core |
| Activities | Cycling, hiking, inline skating, cross-country skiing |
| Elevation Gain | 600 feet total |
| Hours | 6:30 a.m. to dusk |
| Contact | (509) 465-5064 |
Park Overview
Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail represents one of Washington’s five long-distance state park trails, uniquely combining rural wilderness with urban connectivity as it follows the Spokane River from Nine Mile Recreation Area on Lake Spokane eastward to the Idaho border. The trail’s distinctive character emerges from its diverse passage through ponderosa pine forests, breathtaking Deep Creek Canyon with 11,000-year-old fossil beds, historic downtown Spokane including the 1974 World’s Fair site, and the scenic landscapes of Spokane Valley. This mixed-use pathway connects visitors to both natural wonders and cultural landmarks, including remains of Civilian Conservation Corps camps and the historic Great Northern Railroad depot clock tower built in 1902.
The trail serves as a vital transportation and recreation corridor, offering multiple access points that allow visitors to experience eastern Washington’s geography, history, and urban development in one continuous journey. Beyond Washington’s borders, Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail connects seamlessly with Idaho’s North Idaho Centennial Trail, extending adventure possibilities all the way to Coeur d’Alene.
Activities & Recreation
| Activity | Details | Season | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cycling | 37-mile paved trail with numerous access points | Year-round | Moderate |
| Hiking | Multi-day or section hiking opportunities | Year-round | Easy to Moderate |
| Inline Skating | Smooth paved surface ideal for rollerblading | Spring-Fall | Easy |
| Cross-Country Skiing | Groomed sections in Riverside State Park | Winter | Moderate |
| Trail Running | Popular for marathons and fitness events | Year-round | Moderate |
| Fat Tire Biking | Winter groomed sections available | Winter | Moderate |
| Photography | Historic sites and diverse landscapes | Year-round | Easy |
| Wildlife Viewing | River corridor and forest environments | Year-round | Easy |
Facilities & Amenities
Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail provides multiple trailheads and access points throughout its 37-mile length, including major access at Nine Mile Recreation Area, Wilbur Trailhead, Morin Trailhead, and Stateline Trailhead. The trail features convenient urban amenities in downtown Spokane for dining, shopping, and overnight accommodations, plus several access points to the Spokane River for swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating. Winter services include groomed trail sections in Riverside State Park for cross-country skiing and fat tire biking, while the trail regularly hosts organized events including bike races, rollerblading marathons, triathlons, and fundraising walks throughout the year.
Camping & Accommodations
No camping facilities are available directly on Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail. Overnight accommodations can be found in nearby Riverside State Park or in downtown Spokane hotels.
Planning Your Visit
Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail operates from 6:30 a.m. to dusk year-round for day use. A Washington State Discover Pass is required for parking at state park trailheads, with annual passes available for $30 or daily passes for $10. The trail’s numerous access points allow visitors to experience shorter sections or tackle the entire 37-mile length, with many cyclists completing the full route in a single day and hikers often choosing multi-day adventures. Urban sections provide convenient lunch stops, shopping opportunities, and services in historic downtown Spokane, while the trail connects to Idaho’s trail system for extended exploration opportunities toward Coeur d’Alene.
What to Bring & Know
- Bicycle or appropriate footwear for long-distance trail use on paved surfaces
- Water and snacks for extended sections, though urban areas provide resupply opportunities
- Camera for capturing historic landmarks, fossil beds, and diverse eastern Washington landscapes
- Layered clothing for variable conditions from forested areas to open river corridors
- Trail map showing access points and services for planning section hikes or full trail adventures
Final Word
Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail delivers an unparalleled eastern Washington experience, combining natural beauty, cultural history, and urban connectivity in one remarkable 37-mile adventure that showcases the diverse character of the Inland Northwest.
This park is part of the Explore Washington State Parks Directory—showcasing all of Washington’s State Parks from the rugged Pacific coast to the Cascade peaks. Whether you’re camping under old-growth forests, hiking scenic trails, or discovering local history, we’re highlighting the places where people connect with the state’s incredible natural and cultural heritage—all year long.
- About the Author
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Explore Washington State has been covering the real Washington for more than a decade. State parks, small towns, back roads, rest stops, and the people who make this place worth exploring. What started as a hyperlocal project covering individual communities grew into a full media project with more than 340 podcast episodes, a weekly newsletter with 3,800 subscribers, and coverage of all 146 Washington State Parks. The content here comes from people who have actually been to these places: locals, regulars, and lifelong Washington residents who care more about getting it right than getting clicks.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Explore Washington State has been covering the real Washington for more than a decade. State parks, small towns, back roads, rest stops, and the people who make this place worth exploring. What started as a hyperlocal project covering individual communities grew into a full media project with more than 340 podcast episodes, a weekly newsletter with 3,800 subscribers, and coverage of all 146 Washington State Parks. The content here comes from people who have actually been to these places: locals, regulars, and lifelong Washington residents who care more about getting it right than getting clicks.