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A view of the Spokane River from the Centennial Trail near Spokane Valley, Washington.
Written by Mod Fam on June 1, 2020

Run the Spokane River

#PNW . Travel . United States . Washington

Contents of this Post

  • Spokane Valley and the Centennial Trail Spokane
  • Run the Spokane River
    • Centennial Trail Spokane
  • Centennial Trail Spokane
    • Bridges and Scenery Along the Spokane River
    • Mirabeau Park and the Spokane River Water Trail
    • Recreation and Restoration Along the Spokane River
  • Spokane Valley Hotels
    • The Spokane Valley Hampton Inn and Suites
  • Check Out More Mod Fam Global #PNW Travel Ideas
    • Best Place to Kayak – Magone Lake in Oregon
    • Explore the Best Baron Lakes Idaho Hikes
    • Explore the Best Hiking in Castle Rocks State Park Idaho
    • Enjoy the Best City of Rocks Idaho Camping
    • City of Rocks Climbing, Hiking, and Camping
    • Active Recreation – Lake Cascade State Park and Tamarack Resort
  • View more #PNW Trips
  • View more Washington State Trips

Spokane Valley and the Centennial Trail Spokane

The Idaho – Washington Centennial Trail provides the best route to run the Spokane River. Run anywhere from the Spokane Riverfront Park to Spokane Valley, Coeur d’Alene, and more.


Run the Spokane River - Spokane Valley and the Centennial Trail - A view of the Spokane River and the train bridge near Indiana Avenue and Sullivan Road, seen from the Centennial Trail near Spokane Valley, Washington.
Train bridge near Indiana Avenue in Spokane Valley, Washington, from the Centennial Trail

Run the Spokane River

Centennial Trail Spokane

Centennial Trail Map

Looking for an easy-to-use PDF map of the Washington Centennial Trail Spokane? Spokane County maintains a trail maintenance map throughout the county. The county map shows each of the segments in Spokane, Spokane Valley, and Liberty Lake. Click here to view the county’s PDF map, or explore the map below.


CentennialTrail_Agreement17

Run the Spokane River - Spokane Valley and the Centennial Trail - A view of the Centennial Trail near Spokane Valley, Washington.
The Centennial Trail near Spokane Valley, mile marker 10.5

Centennial Trail Access Point: Spokane Valley, Washington

I spend quite a bit of time in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho (CDA), and Spokane, Washington for work. If I’m not staying in CDA, my go-to is the Hampton Inn and Suites in Spokane Valley. The hotel sits near Sullivan Road and the Spokane River. Sometimes hotel prices spike, or I want to be closer to the Spokane International Airport for an early morning flight. If you’re driving between Spokane and Coeur d’Alene, it’s easy to speed past the oversized commercial developments around the Spokane Valley Mall. But if you look a little closer, you’ll discover the Spokane River just across from the Hampton Inn. The well-developed Centennial Trail and Spokane River Water Trail sits nearby. The Spokane Centennial Trail contains a wide, paved path for walking, running, and biking. Unofficial gravel and dirt paths run parallel to the paved trail.


Run the Spokane River - Spokane Valley and the Centennial Trail - A view of the Centennial Trail near Spokane Valley, Washington.
The Centennial Trail near Spokane Valley, mile marker 10.5

Centennial Trail Access Point: Mile Markers 9 to 11

If you’re looking for a place to stay and run the Spokane River, I recommend the stretch of the Centennial trail between mile markers 9 and 11. This section runs from the Spokane Valley Hampton Inn and Suites to Mirabeau Park and back (or vice-versa). As you’ll see below, the trail is accessible and follows the Spokane River East and West. Surrounded by lush growth and just over a small rise that separates the trail from the commercial development of Spokane Valley, the Centennial Trail feels far more remote and isolated than it is. Aside from the occasional peek at the industrial facilities across the river, the Spokane River Water Trail is a natural escape from the busy development along the freeway that runs between Spokane and North Idaho.


Run the Spokane River - Spokane Valley and the Centennial Trail - A view of the Centennial Trail near Spokane Valley, Washington.
The Spokane River Water Trail and Centennial Trail near Spokane Valley

Planning to run the Spokane River soon? Click either of our banner links here to get discounted Hertz car rentals from the Spokane International Airport. Book rooms at the Spokane Valley Hampton Inn and Suites, and more! Our site is partly supported by affiliate partnerships; your purchases through our affiliate links help support our site and the development of even more great content!

Centennial Trail Spokane

Bridges and Scenery Along the Spokane River

Run the Spokane River - Spokane Valley and the Centennial Trail - A view of train bridge near Sullivan Road and Indiana Avenue from the Centennial Trail near Spokane Valley, Washington.
Train bridge over the Centennial Trail near Spokane Valley

Sullivan Road Bridge

To get to the Centennial Trail from the Spokane Valley Hampton Inn and Suites, just cross E. Indiana Avenue past the multi-story professional complex that sits opposite the hotel. At the far West end of the complex, just past the parking structure, you’ll find an access path that leads to the Centennial Trail. This section of trail overlooks the river around mile marker 11 of the trail. Head West along the path, and you’ll quickly arrive at the first of two bridges that cross the Spokane River before intersecting further North. The first bridge you’ll come to is the Sullivan Road vehicle bridge at Sullivan Park.

Indiana Avenue Train Bridge

About 1/2 mile further West, you’ll run underneath the second structure. This second bridge is a train bridge that runs along Indiana Avenue. It then crosses the Spokane River and continues under the vehicle overpass on Sullivan Road. Both bridges have a bit of graffiti painted on them. The city erected protective fences and barbed wire to keep would-be taggers from spraying more paint. It also limits their ability to cross the high, suspended tubes that run underneath the train tracks.


Run the Spokane River - Spokane Valley and the Centennial Trail - A view of train bridge near Sullivan Road and Indiana Avenue from the Centennial Trail near Spokane Valley, Washington.
Train bridge over the Centennial Trail near Spokane Valley
Run the Spokane River - Spokane Valley and the Centennial Trail - Graffiti on the train bridge near Sullivan Road and Indiana Avenue from the Centennial Trail near Spokane Valley, Washington.
Graffiti on the train bridge over the Centennial Trail near Spokane Valley

Mirabeau Park and the Spokane River Water Trail

Run the Spokane River - Spokane Valley and the Centennial Trail - the Mirabeau Park and Trailhead, seen from the Centennial Trail near Spokane Valley, Washington.
Access to Mirabeau Park from the Centennial Trail near Spokane Valley

Mirabeau Park Interpretive Signs and Centennial Trail Maps

Right at the 2 mile mark on my route, you’ll approach the Mirabeau Park and trailhead. Mirabeau Park is well-tended and inviting. It sits across from river access paths that lead down to large slabs of striated rock at the river’s edge. Centennial trail markers line the path leading to several interpretive signs and maps of the entire area. The signs mark the Spokane River Water Trail, the nearby section of the Centennial Trail through Spokane Valley. This is a great spot to stop and stretch, or take in the views of the river down below.


Spokane Valley and the Centennial Trail - Trail markers lining the Centennial Trail near Spokane Valley, Washington, and Mirabeau Park.
Centennial Trail markers near Mirabeau Park

Centennial Trail Spokane: Run to the Spokane Riverfront Park

For added mileage, keep heading West; the trail continues for miles into Spokane’s city center. You can get whatever mileage you’d like and stay along the river the entire way. If you prefer trail running instead of a hard, paved path, the entire section between mile markers 9 and 11 has parallel dirt and gravel paths. Users have developed these over time, and the county and cities do not maintain the dirt paths. But I ran almost the entire 2 miles back to the East off the paved path on the elevated dirt trail. The parallel trail winds up and down and back and forth along the slight rise. It continues along a hill that separates the trail from Indiana Avenue.


Run the Spokane River - Spokane Valley and the Centennial Trail - A view of the paved and unpaved trails along the Spokane River Water Trail and Centennial Trail near Spokane Valley, Washington.
Paved and unpaved trails along the Centennial Trail near Spokane Valley
Spokane Valley and the Centennial Trail - A view of the trails leading down to the Spokane River near the Mirabeau Park and Trailhead, seen from the Centennial Trail near Spokane Valley, Washington.
Trails leading to the Spokane River near Mirabeau Park and the Centennial Trail near Spokane Valley

Recreation and Restoration Along the Spokane River

A map of the Spokane River Water Trail and Centennial Trail.
Map of the Spokane River Water Trail and Centennial Trail

Spokane River Fishing: Restrictions and Native Redrand Trout

The Spokane River flows from Lake Coeur d’Alene through Liberty Lake, Spokane Valley, Spokane. It eventually runs through the Spokane Indian Reservation and Lake Roosevelt. Fishing is allowed along most of the Spokane River. However, several sections have restrictions in place to assist the recovery of native Redrand Trout. You can catch non-native trout there, but Redrand must be released.

Spokane River Fishing: Catch and Release, Other Limits

So, for instance, from the Idaho border to the Upriver Dam in Spokane Valley, no fish may be caught and kept. You must release all fish in that section of river. Between the Upriver Dam and the Nine Mile Dam past Spokane, though, fishing is allowed, but limited. The length of my recommended run fits within the catch and release section of the Spokane River. That means you have all the more reason to spend your time running or walking the trail rather than fishing, at least until you make it past Spokane or back into Idaho!


A sign along the Spokane River Water Trail and Centennial Trail promoting restoration of the native Redrand Trout
Sign promoting restoration of the native Redrand Trout in the Spokane River

Spokane Valley Hotels

The Spokane Valley Hampton Inn and Suites

Spokane Valley Hotels - The Spokane Valley Hampton Inn and Suites, one of the closest hotels to the Centennial Trail and the Spokane River in Spokane Valley.
The Spokane Valley Hampton Inn and Suites

Spokane Valley Hotels: Access and Accommodations

I’ve run along this section of trail for various distances over the last several years. I’ve run it in every season and type of weather. In my opinion, the Spokane Valley Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton provides the best access points and area accommodations. The comfortable and reasonably priced hotel is just a short walk from the Centennial Trail. It sits just off the freeway past the Spokane Valley Mall on East Indiana Avenue.

Spokane Valley Hotels: Nearby Amenities

Nearby shops and restaurants make this the perfect spot to stay a night or two between Spokane and Coeur d’Alene. This is especially true if you’re planning to spend time in both cities. The hotel sits almost equidistant between the two towns. If you need to get back and forth quickly and easily, this is a great mid-way point for your stay. (The Hampton Inn and Suites in Coeur d’Alene sits on the Centennial Trail, as well. The CDA hotel sits in a newly-developed residential and commercial area. It is not far from North Idaho College and the lake, so that’s where I stay and run in CDA).


Spokane Valley Hotels - The Spokane Valley Hampton Inn and Suites, one of the closest hotels to the Centennial Trail and the Spokane River in Spokane Valley.
The Spokane Valley Hampton Inn and Suites

Check Out More Mod Fam Global #PNW Travel Ideas

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Explore the Best Baron Lakes Idaho Hikes

Explore the Best Hiking in Castle Rocks State Park Idaho. A young girl stands atop massive boulders inside the Castle Rocks State Park Idaho complex.

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City of Rocks - Climbing Hiking Camping. Sunset over Idaho's Castle Rocks State Park and City of Rocks National Reserve.

Enjoy the Best City of Rocks Idaho Camping

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City of Rocks Climbing, Hiking, and Camping

Active Recreation - Lake Cascade State Park & Tamarack Resort. A ski lift in summer carries mountain bikes to the top of the mountain at Tamarack Resort.

Active Recreation – Lake Cascade State Park and Tamarack Resort


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Tags: Centennial Trail, outdoor activity, PNW, run, running, Spokane, Spokane Falls, Spokane River, Things to do in Spokane, trail, trail run, Travel, Washington, Washington State
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Brian
Brian
2 years ago

Looks like a great little trail to run along! I’m always happy to find an established trail when I’m traveling as it makes figuring out the mileage that much easier. I’m fortunate to have one near my house that runs through three cities in the South Bay Area. If I ever find myself in that Spokane area, this is definitely the trail I’ll seek out!

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Reply
Kelly
Kelly
2 years ago

Love that there are so many great running spots in Spokane! I’m quite close (Vancouver, BC) so if I’m ever down in Spokane I would love to try out this trail. Looks very well maintained 🙂

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Kavita Favelle
Kavita Favelle
2 years ago

It’s great that Spokane County provide a user-friendly map or anyone wanting to run the trail. And I can see that the trail is also very well maintained, so a great surface for runners. I love that photo of a train bridge crossing above the trail, with a little roofed hut beneath! The views are glorious. 

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Mod Fam
Mod Fam
Author
Reply to  Kavita Favelle
2 years ago

Thanks, Kavita! They really do take great care of the trail, and there’s lots to see along the river. There are some great paths down to the river, too.

0
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Rachel
Rachel
2 years ago

This looks like such an amazing trail! Nice too that it’s not so offbeat to get lost on.

0
Reply
Gabi
Gabi
2 years ago

Never heard of this trail before but it certainly looks amazing, the pictures make me want to travel and discover more. Your insight is very detailed and some of the photos really good too!

0
Reply
Pubali
Pubali
2 years ago

Looks like a fantastic running trail. The scenery is beautiful.

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Reply
Renata
Renata
2 years ago

Wow, that looks like such a beautiful and diverse trail. And your guide is amazingly complete. After reading this, I could probably follow blindfolded 🙂

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Reply
Anna
Anna
2 years ago

This looks like a great trail! Think it would be a bit long for me, do many people walk it or bike it instead?

0
Reply
Mod Fam
Mod Fam
Author
Reply to  Anna
2 years ago

It is a great trail, and well maintained! There are lots of bikers and walkers along the trail. It is definitely multi-use.

0
Reply
Pam
Pam
2 years ago

If I’m running, then you probably should be too 😉 Though this looks like a great place for an outdoor walk as well. Do they allow bikes? The trails look a bit narrow for both runners and bikers.

0
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Mod Fam
Mod Fam
Author
Reply to  Pam
2 years ago

Thanks Pam! Yes, it’s definitely time for another run! The path is actually wide enough for bikes and runners, and you can run along the dirt paths and trails, too, for some variety. I know some people prefer trails to the hard, paved paths, so it’s nice to have both options here.

0
Reply
Kiara
Kiara
2 years ago

I never knew this was in Washington. It’s probably the perfect place for some outside time right now.

0
Reply
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