Map of bike paths / walking paths in the Spokane, Washington area

Recreational trails for walking, running and cycling in Spokane, Washington

Spokane and Spokane Valley are located on the Spokane River in the eastern portion of the State of Washington and just west of the border with Idaho and 110 miles south of the border with Canada. This area is also referred to as the "Inland Northwest". Nestled between the Cascade Mountain Range to the west and the Rockies to the east, and high on the Columbia Plateau, Spokane has a mild, but arid climate. The city of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, is located just across the state line to the east of Spokane.

Spokane has a large system of city parks, most notably being Riverfront Park. This park is located near the downtown area and offers many walkways with views of the Spokane Falls.

The main multi-use recreational trails for bike riding and walking in the Spokane area are the Centennial Trail and the Columbia Plateau Trail. To the north, in the community of Mead, there is the Children of the Sun Trail.

Centennial Trail

The 37.5 mile long Centennial Trail is an extensive paved trail system that includes long stretches of wide paved trail that travel away from roadways combined with connections that require riding on roadways. Following this trail system, you can travel from Nine Mile Falls, located about 10 miles north of Spokane,  along the forests that line the Spokane River, through the heart of the city, and then east as far as the Idaho border. At the Idaho border, you can connect to the North Idaho Centennial Trail and ride as far as Lake Coeur d'Alene. There are mutiple places to get on or off the trail with areas to park. 

Read more about the Centennial Trail - Spokane

Fish Lake Trail

The Fish Lake Trail is an 11.2-mile long paved and unpaved pathway located to the southwest of Spokane in Eastern Washington. The trail was constructed along the abandoned railroad right-of-way of the Union Pacific Railroad. The route goes through the natural areas to the south of Spokane and includes miles of forest land and rugged hills to each side. The trail connects to the Columbia Plateau Trail at Fish Lake Regional Park.

Read more about the Fish Lake Trail

Columbia Plateau Trail

The Columbia Plateau Trail is a 134 mile long unpaved trail that extends from south of Spokane to Pasco, which is located in southcentral Washington. The trail is placed on an the abandoned railroad bed of the Spokane - Portland Railroad. This trail takes you through wide open country side, and has very few amenities. You should be be prepared before taking off to ride this trail. 

The route of the Columbia Plateau Trail takes you through the basalt scablands of the lower Snake River on its way to the Columbia River. You will see the landscape that was scarred by ancient Great Missoula Floods that occurred 16,000 years ago. The wildlife of the area includes mule deer, coyotes, eagles, hawks, Hungarian partridges, chukar, quail and even mountain lions.

While traveling the trail you will see remnants of the old railroad, included old telegraph poles. The scenery is stark, but has its own natural beauty. Be sure to bring adequate water and sunprotection.

Read more about the Columbia Plateau Trail.

Children of the Sun Trail

The Children of the Sun Trail is a 7 mile long paved path that is located in the North Spokane Corridor. The trail follows alongside Highway 395 that foes from the neighborhoods in the north of Spokane, past the community of Mead and over to Fairwood.  The name of this trail comes from the Salish language and is tied to the name "Spokane". 

There are plans to extend the Children of the Sun Trail to the south as far as a junction with the Centennial Trail and even farther to Interstate 90.

Read more about the Children of the Sun Trail

Resources

Following are links to official off-site resources to find out more details about the recreational trails for bike riding, running and walking in the Spokane area of Eastern Washington State.