Using The Centennial Trail To Get Fit

Spokane has a great treasure in the Centennial Trail, 37 miles of paved trail from Nine Mile Falls to the Idaho border, and connecting to the North Idaho Centennial Trail for another 24 miles to Coeur d'Alene. The Centennial Trail goes through beautiful country mostly following the Spokane River, like a quiet, jeweled artery through, but largely away from, the nearby urban and suburban life. It's a great place to run, bike, skate, or walk for just about as many miles as you care to go. And starting nearly right outside your door!

Friends of the Centennial Trail divide the trail into three distinct sections:

· Spokane Valley

· Spokane Urban

· Riverside State Park

Centennial Trail in the Spokane Valley In the Spokane Valley, east of downtown, the Centennial Trail is flat and close to the Spokane River level. Wild flowers bloom along the trail at all times of the year, and birds and wildlife are plentiful. During the hot months parties of floaters in everything from kayaks to inner tubes can be seen in the river. Lots of families on bikes and runners use the parts of the trail near the Spokane Valley Mall and Mirabeau Park. Access is good and the trail is easy.

Centennial Trail in Urban Spokane The Urban part of the Centennial Trail goes past Gonzaga University and through Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane. The trail is at times a totally separate paved path from traffic and at times a roadside bike lane. It's great for bike commuters giving good bike access to the urban core and a great way to get a workout in while doing something else useful. In the early spring in a big snow or quick thaw year (like 2009), the trail just east of Avista headquarters on Mission has been known to flood. West of downtown until the T.J. Menach Bridge is a little dicey among traffic and not suitable for young children.

Centennial Trail in Riverside State Park

West of downtown Spokane the Centennial Trail is hillier. For a more challenging workout whatever your mode of travel, start at the T.J. Menach bridge, climb past Spokane Falls Community College to the Military Cemetery, drop down and climb again to overlook the Bowl & Pitcher, then on to Nine Mile Falls. If you don't want to do the whole 10 miles and back in this section, there are more access points at the Military Cemetery, the Bowl & Pitcher lookout, and Seven Mile Road.