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Washington
12

Washington State Parks

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USA Parks
Washington
Rocky Mountain Gateway Region
Centennial Trail State Park
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Centennial Trail State Park © Robert Ashworth from Bellingham, WA., USA / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Spokane Centenial Trail
Centennial Trail State Park © Jdubman / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Centennial Trail along the north side of the wSpokane Convention Center.
Centennial Trail State Park © Robert Ashworth from Bellingham, WA., USA / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
North Idaho Trail connects to Spokane Centennial Trail
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CENTENNIAL TRAIL STATE PARK
CENTENNIAL TRAIL STATE PARK
9711 West Charles Road
Nine Mile Falls, Washington   99026
(lat:47.7761 lon:-117.5468) map location

Phone: 509-465-5064
Centennial Trail State Park is a 40 mile paved trail, managed by Riverside State Park. The park consists of a paved trail meandering along the Spokane River and extending from Nine Mile Falls to the Idaho state line. The trail is punctuated with 42 historical and archaeological sites, most of which remain to be marked. This park consists of a 37-mile long, 12-foot wide paved trail extending from Nine Mile Falls near Spokane to the Idaho border. On the Idaho side, the trail continues on. The trail follows the Spokane River, and is marked by sites of historic and archaeological interest.
Nature of the Area
Environmental Features At mile marker 36, the visitor can explore fossil beds in the Deep Creek area of the trail. The Center of Northwest Anthropology at Washington State University conducted an archaeological survey at the site, uncovering evidence of life dating back 11,000 years. The study determined that civilizations past used the Spokane River for transportation, a food source, and a place of gathering.
History of the Area
The trail was dedicated and named the Centennial Trail in 1989, in commemoration of Washington state's 100th birthday that year.

The trail contains interpretive signs and 42 historical sites, most of which remain unmarked. Traveling west from the state line, one passes the site of the first bridge built over the Spokane River in 1864, and the site of the white settlement that preceded the city of Spokane. At milepost #2 sets the Horse Slaughter Camp monument. This is the site on which, in 1858, Colonel George Wright and his troops rounded up and killed 800 Indian horses to discourage future Indian uprisings. Down river from the Maribeau Park area is Plantes Ferry County Park. Here Isaac Stevens, the first territorial governor, met with the Upper and Middle Spokane in December, 1855. Also on this site, Antoine Plante operated a ferry from 1852 until 1864, when the Spokane bridge was built.
Passes
A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the Discover Pass web page.
Camping
This is a day-use park, but two campgrounds are available at nearby Riverside State Park. The Bowl and Pitcher area campground has 16 standard campsites, 16 utility hookup sites with electricity and water, one dump station and two restrooms, both with showers.

The Nine Mile Recreation Area has three tent sites and 21 RV sites of varying length.
Fishing
Enjoy fishing in the Spokane River, home to species like rainbow trout, brown trout and mountain whitefish. The Little Spokane River also offers opportunities for catching cutthroat trout. Both rivers are accessible from various points along a 37-mile trail system.



Picnicking
1. Centennial Trail State Park offers numerous picnic areas with tables and grills.
2. Enjoy a riverside picnic at Nine Mile Recreation Area within the park.
3. Picnic spots are available along the 37-mile paved trail, perfect for hikers or bikers to rest and refuel.
4. The Sontag Park section provides covered shelters ideal for group picnics in any weather condition.
5. Many of these sites offer stunning views of Spokane River, enhancing your outdoor dining experience.

Trails
1. Spokane River Centennial Trail: This 37-mile long trail runs along the beautiful Spokane river, offering stunning views of waterfalls and wildlife.

2. Nine Mile Recreation Area Trails: These trails are perfect for a leisurely stroll or bike ride with picnic areas available throughout.

3. Lake Spokane Loop Trail: A moderate difficulty level hiking path that circles around Lake Spokane providing breathtaking lake vistas.

4. Deep Creek Canyon Hike: An adventurous hike through dense forests leading to an impressive canyon view at the end point.

5. Riverside State Park Bowl & Pitcher Loop Trail: It's a short loop but offers unique rock formations, suspension bridge crossing over rapids and scenic overlooks on both sides of the river.

6. Little Falls Dam Pathway: The pathway leads hikers towards Little Falls dam which is surrounded by lush greenery making it ideal for nature lovers.

7. Treaty Rock Park Trails: Easy walking paths suitable for families featuring historical markers about local Native American tribes' history in this area.

8. Sontag Community Nature park: Offers multiple small loops within its boundaries where one can enjoy bird watching amidst natural settings.

9. Peak Putnam Centennial Center Walkways: Paved walkways surrounding Peak Putnam center offer easy strolling options while enjoying panoramic views.

10. Mirabeau Point Park Paths: Multiple interconnected pathways running across Mirabeau Point park provide ample opportunities to explore different sections of this vast recreational space.
Bicycling
The park offers a 37.5-mile paved trail, ideal for cycling enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Cyclists should be aware that the path is shared with pedestrians and equestrians.

For safety reasons, it's advised to wear helmets and follow posted speed limits while biking on this trail.

Bike rentals are not available within the park; visitors must bring their own equipment or rent from nearby facilities.

During winter months, parts of the bike route may become icy or snow-covered making them potentially hazardous.

Please note: some sections can get crowded during peak times which could affect your riding experience.

Remember to respect wildlife you might encounter along your ride by keeping a safe distance at all times.

Nighttime bicycling isn't recommended due to limited visibility in certain areas after dark.


Nature Programs
Several interpretive signs mark the trail for spots of historic and archeological interest. As most significant sites are still unmarked, more signage is planned for the future.
Birding
Birdwatchers can spot species like the American Goldfinch, Washington's state bird. Other sightings include Bald Eagles and Ospreys.

The park is home to a variety of waterfowl including Mallards, Canadian Geese and Great Blue Herons.

In forested areas, visitors might see Northern Flickers or Pileated Woodpeckers.

Hummingbirds such as Rufous Hummingbird are also common in summer months.

During migration seasons you may encounter Swainson's Thrushes or Yellow Warblers passing through.

Raptors like Red-tailed Hawks often soar above open fields within the park.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
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Area Campgrounds
Ponderosa Falls RV Park
7520 South Thomas Mallen Road
Cheney, WA
Trailer Inns R.V. Park/Spokane
6021 East Fourth Avenue
Spokane, WA
509-535-1811
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Located along the Spokane River, between Nine Mile Falls, Wash., and the Idaho state border in Spokane County.

Centennial Trail can be reached from any major crossroad that intersects the Spokane River. The park trail follows the river from Nine Mile Falls, WA to the Idaho state line.

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Washington
12

Washington State Parks

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