Spokane River Centennial

Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail encompasses a 37-mile multi-use recreational corridor following the Spokane River through Spokane County in eastern Washington. This linear state park provides spectacular views of the powerful Spokane River, dramatic basalt canyons, and unique geological features including ancient lava flows and glacial flood landscapes. The trail connects nine separate parks and recreation areas, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, running, and nature observation. Created to commemorate Washington's centennial of statehood in 1989, the park represents a collaborative effort to preserve river access and create continuous recreational opportunities through an increasingly developed urban area. The trail system showcases the region's geological drama, from thundering waterfalls to quiet backwater channels, while providing habitat connectivity for wildlife and a green corridor for human recreation.

The Spokane River corridor supports diverse wildlife despite its urban and suburban setting, with the river and adjacent habitats providing critical refuge. White-tailed deer and mule deer browse riparian vegetation, while smaller mammals including muskrats, beavers, and river otters inhabit waterside areas. The river itself supports populations of rainbow trout, brown trout, and mountain whitefish, though dams have eliminated historic salmon runs. Bald eagles and ospreys nest along the river, hunting for fish year-round. Great blue herons, belted kingfishers, and numerous waterfowl species including mallards, Canada geese, and mergansers utilize the river corridor. Riparian forests provide habitat for songbirds including yellow warblers, black-capped chickadees, and American robins. Coyotes occasionally pass through the corridor. The river's geology creates diverse microhabitats from swift rapids to quiet pools, each supporting distinct aquatic communities. The trail corridor functions as an important wildlife movement route through the developed landscape.

The vegetation along the Spokane River Trail reflects the arid climate of eastern Washington, with annual precipitation averaging only 15-17 inches. Ponderosa pine dominates drier upland areas, often growing from cracks in basalt cliffs. Riparian zones support black cottonwood, willow species, red osier dogwood, and various shrubs that depend on the river's moisture. Rocky areas feature sagebrush, bitterbrush, and native bunchgrasses adapted to drought conditions. Spring wildflowers include arrowleaf balsamroot, lupine, and various native species that add color to the landscape. Non-native invasive plants including knapweed, cheatgrass, and puncturevine require ongoing management. The basalt cliffs and outcrops support specialized rock garden communities with mosses, lichens, and drought-adapted flowering plants. Floodplain areas that receive periodic inundation support more diverse and productive plant communities. Urban sections of the trail feature both native and ornamental plantings. The vegetation reflects the region's position in the rain shadow of the Cascade Range.

The Spokane River corridor displays spectacular geology shaped by volcanic activity and catastrophic Ice Age flooding. The river has carved a deep canyon through Columbia River Basalt flows erupted 15-17 million years ago, exposing multiple distinct lava layers visible in cliff faces. The characteristic columnar jointing in basalt creates dramatic vertical columns formed as lava cooled and contracted. Between 15,000 and 13,000 years ago, massive glacial Lake Missoula repeatedly burst through ice dams, sending enormous floods across eastern Washington. These Missoula Floods scoured the landscape, carving the Spokane River canyon deeper and creating features like potholes, giant current ripples, and scabland. Spokane Falls, now partially harnessed for hydropower, represents a place where the river flows over resistant basalt. The floods also deposited enormous erratics—boulders carried by icebergs and dropped as the ice melted. The river continues to shape the landscape through erosion, though at a much slower pace than the catastrophic floods.

The Spokane River Trail experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm, dry summers typical of the eastern Washington interior. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing, with occasional periods of severe cold and snow. Summer temperatures often exceed 85°F and can reach above 95°F during heat waves. The area receives only 15-17 inches of annual precipitation, concentrated primarily in late fall through spring, creating semi-arid conditions. Clear skies and low humidity are typical, with over 260 sunny days annually. The river corridor can be several degrees cooler than surrounding urban areas due to the moderating influence of water and shade from canyon walls. Strong winds occasionally develop, particularly in spring. Winter brings snow and ice that can make trail sections hazardous, though many portions are cleared and maintained for year-round use. The relatively low elevation (1,800-2,100 feet) means milder temperatures than nearby mountains. The growing season is relatively short despite warm summers.

The Spokane River has been central to human habitation in the region for at least 10,000 years, with indigenous peoples including the Spokane Tribe utilizing the river for fishing, transportation, and gathering. Spokane Falls served as a major salmon fishing site and gathering place, with traditions indicating intensive use and cultural significance. The falls' power and spiritual importance made them central to Spokane culture. European-American exploration began in the early 1800s, with fur traders followed by settlers. The establishment of Spokane Falls (later Spokane) in the 1870s centered on harnessing the river's power for sawmills and flour mills. Hydroelectric development began in the 1880s, eventually transforming the falls with multiple dams. The river powered Spokane's industrial growth while also receiving pollution from mines, mills, and urban development. By the mid-20th century, much of the riverfront had become industrial or degraded. The 1974 World's Fair in Spokane catalyzed riverfront cleanup and park development. The centennial trail concept emerged in the 1980s as Washington prepared to celebrate 100 years of statehood.

Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail was officially established in 1989 to commemorate Washington's centennial of statehood. The project represented a collaborative vision between state parks, local governments, tribes, and private landowners to create a continuous recreational trail along the river. Initial segments connected existing parks including Riverside State Park and various city and county parks. Development proceeded in phases as land was acquired, easements negotiated, and trail segments constructed. The project faced challenges including crossing private property, securing funding, and coordinating multiple jurisdictions. Over three decades, the trail expanded from disconnected segments to a nearly continuous 37-mile corridor. Bridges, underpasses, and surface improvements gradually connected gaps and improved safety. The trail became increasingly popular for commuting, recreation, and events. Recent improvements focus on enhancing accessibility, adding amenities like restrooms and parking, and protecting natural areas. The trail demonstrates successful public-private partnership and long-term commitment to creating quality public recreation infrastructure.

The centerpiece is the 37-mile paved and improved trail following the Spokane River from the Idaho border to the confluence with the Little Spokane River. Spokane Falls offers dramatic views of cascading water, basalt formations, and hydroelectric infrastructure, with interpretive displays explaining the geology and history. Riverside State Park, Washington's second-largest state park, provides 10,000+ acres of recreation including trails, camping, and the unique Bowl and Pitcher area with massive basalt formations. The trail passes through downtown Spokane, providing urban park access and connections to restaurants and attractions. Plantes Ferry Park offers river access, picnic areas, and sports facilities. The trail features numerous overlooks providing views of the river canyon, rapids, and wildlife. Interpretive signs explain the region's geology, ecology, and history. Multiple river access points allow fishing, kayaking, and rafting. The trail connects to other regional trail systems creating an extensive non-motorized transportation network. Seasonal attractions include fall colors in riparian areas and winter bald eagle viewing.

The Spokane River Centennial Trail is accessible from numerous trailheads and parking areas along its 37-mile length, with major access points including Riverside State Park, Plantes Ferry Park, Mirabeau Point Park, and various locations in Spokane. The trail is paved or improved throughout most of its length, suitable for walking, running, biking, and wheelchair access. Multiple restrooms, drinking fountains, and picnic areas serve trail users, though facilities are concentrated at major parks rather than distributed evenly. The trail is open year-round, though winter snow and ice can create hazardous conditions on some sections. Connections to city bus routes provide public transportation access. Parking is available at major trailheads but can fill during peak use times. The nearest services including restaurants, grocery stores, and outdoor recreation shops are available in Spokane and surrounding communities. Cell phone coverage is generally excellent. No fees are required for trail use, though parking fees may apply at some locations. The trail is suitable for users of all abilities on paved sections, with some steeper grades in canyon areas.

Management of the Spokane River Centennial Trail involves complex coordination between state parks, local governments, tribes, and private landowners. River water quality protection is paramount, with monitoring programs tracking pollution sources and ecological health. Riparian habitat restoration targets degraded areas, with native plantings helping to stabilize banks, provide shade, and create wildlife habitat. Invasive species management focuses on preventing the spread of non-native plants that reduce habitat value and increase fire risk. The trail provides an important wildlife corridor through increasingly developed areas, with habitat connectivity recognized as a management priority. Erosion control measures protect steep slopes and prevent trail deterioration. Education programs teach users about the region's unique geology, the Missoula Floods, and river ecology. Sustainable trail maintenance balances recreation access with resource protection. Collaboration with the Spokane Tribe recognizes the river's cultural significance and incorporates traditional knowledge. Climate change considerations include managing for increased summer heat, reduced snowpack, and changing river flows. The trail demonstrates how linear parks can serve multiple functions: recreation, transportation, wildlife habitat, and community connection to natural and cultural heritage.