Information
Landmark: North Idaho Centennial TrailCity: Coeur dAlene
Country: USA Idaho
Continent: North America
North Idaho Centennial Trail, Coeur dAlene, USA Idaho, North America
Overview
The North Idaho Centennial Trail runs about 24 miles, winding along the Spokane River and the Lake Coeur d’Alene shoreline, linking Coeur d’Alene with Spokane, Washington.This trail ranks among the region’s favorites, drawing cyclists, runners, walkers, and nature lovers with sweeping views, easy paths, and a seamless blend of city streets and whispering trees.The trail starts just steps from Coeur d’Alene’s lively waterfront, hugs the lake’s southern edge where the water glints in the sun, then winds northwest along the Spokane River toward Spokane.The route winds past busy streets, quiet homes, shaded forests, and wide stretches of lakeshore, creating a seamless path where city life meets the calm of the wild.The trail winds past clear lake shores, curves along quiet river bends, and slips through cool, shaded woods, crossing sturdy bridges where the scent of pine meets the hum of the city’s upkeep.The landscape shifts with each season-spring bursts with fresh green leaves, summer hums with kayaks skimming the lake, autumn glows in gold and deep red, and in winter, snow rests quietly along parts of the trail.The trail’s paved and mostly flat, so it’s easy for everyone to use-whether you’re walking, riding a bike, pushing a stroller, or rolling in a wheelchair.You’ll find parking, restrooms, drinking fountains, and shady picnic spots at several trailheads, making them handy for both seasoned hikers and folks just out for a short stroll.Along the trail, you’ll come across sweeping views of the lake-especially near Coeur d’Alene, where the water catches the light like glass.Forested trails open to the river, where you catch glimpses of rippling water and tiny waterfalls tumbling over mossy rocks.Bridges and boardwalks make it easy to reach wildlife and snap a photo, maybe of a heron gliding across the water.The trail winds past parks, marinas, and other spots for fun, linking you to Tubbs Hill, City Park, and McEuen Park, where pine trees shade the paths.These connections open the door to picnics under shady trees, quiet hours kayaking along the water, and plenty of other outdoor fun-making it easy to pair a trail walk with whatever leisure you love.The trail winds through vibrant stretches of natural habitat, where you might spot waterfowl-ducks gliding across a still pond or herons lifting off into the sky.Songbirds flit through the reeds, while eagles and osprey hover near the shimmering edges of rivers and lakes.You’ll spot small mammals rustling through the underbrush in the forest, and now and then a deer steps quietly between the trees.Along the trail, interpretive signs share stories of the land-how the pine-scented forests grew, the history that shaped them, and the conservation work keeping them alive.On the North Idaho Centennial Trail, you can jog past pine-scented bends or wander at an easy pace, making it a spot that suits both thrill-seekers and those out for a slow, scenic walk.Cyclists cruise for miles without a stop, runners follow shady paths lined with trees, and walkers or families take easy trails dotted with benches.In northern Idaho, forested hills, winding trails into town, and glittering stretches of lake or river flow together into one seamless experience, drawing people here to both move and unwind.Hikers often stop at a lookout to take in the sight of boats drifting by, a heron skimming the water, or the sun melting into the lake.The North Idaho Centennial Trail stands as a landmark route in northern Idaho, offering a scenic, all-season path that connects Coeur d’Alene to Spokane along a smooth, uninterrupted stretch perfect for walkers, cyclists, and runners.It encourages people to get outside, notice the changing seasons, and travel between neighborhoods, acting as both a busy commuter path and a quiet spot for weekend strolls.This trail shows how deeply the region values blending its wild beauty with spaces people can enjoy, drawing walkers past clear lakes and rushing rivers while boosting fitness, tourism, and love for Idaho’s forests.It’s still a key part of the area’s outdoor life and cultural identity, from weekend picnics under oak trees to festivals that fill the air with music.
