Riverside State Park

Scenery on the western segment of the Spokane Centennial Trail is truly spectacular; towering pine and fir trees, birds-eye views of the river (including the Bowl and Pitcher area), broad vistas and panoramic views of the Spokane River.

While the other segments of the Trail follow a relatively flat course, the western segment contains a number of challenging climbs and descends through the beautiful forests of Riverside State Park. Most of the climbs are relatively short in duration, but come prepared for a higher-level aerobic workout.

Popular attractions include; the Military Cemetery (located just off Government Way at the 28-mile mark), the Bowl and Pitcher overlook (30-mile mark), day-camping area and restrooms (34-mile mark), Riverside State Park Headquarters (36 mile mark) and Sontag Park (37-mile mark). Foot travelers also may access the Trail via the footbridge from the campground at Bowl & Pitcher, across the river from the Trail.  Best of all... you'll be hard-pressed not to spot at least several forms of natural wildlife (bald eagles, hawks, deer, coyotes, and many more)!

NOTE OF CAUTION:  In intermittent sections, Trail users must share the roadway with motorized vehicles. However, motorized traffic is extremely low in this rural area, and is limited to mostly local residents. Riverside Park Drive is blocked off at several strategic locations, preventing its use as a thoroughfare for motor vehicles.

The west segment begins at the access point and parking area on Pettet Drive just east of T.J. Meenach Bridge, near milepost 26 of the Trail.

After crossing the Spokane River via the T.J. Meenach Bridge, the Trail descends to a kiosk, which has a map and other Trail-related information. Beyond the kiosk, the Trail begins a climb upward through towering fir and pine trees.

The climb moderates at milepost 28 near the Military Cemetery. A public restroom is located here. A bit farther is a side trail that descends to the river.

After a half-mile segment through open woodlands, meadows and wildflowers, the Trail joins Aubrey White Parkway for one mile. Upon reaching the access point and parking lot just beyond milepost 30, the Trail leaves the roadway and returns to open woodlands and meadows.

At milepost 33, the Trail rejoins Aubrey White Parkway. This is also the location of a day-camping area in Riverside State Park. Some public parking is available here. A half mile later, turn left onto Seven Mile Drive and then right onto Riverside State Park Drive, where the route moves through a quiet residential area. Beyond milepost 34, the Trail leaves the roadway at the access and parking area and resumes an up-and-down route through the forest.

Just before milepost 36, the Trail crosses Deep Creek Bridge. Here, Trail users may take a quarter mile side-trip through Deep Creek Canyon. Back on the Trail itself, about three quarters of a mile beyond the bridge, the Trail intersects with Carlson Road. After a short descent is the junction with Charles Road. Here you will find the Headquarters Offices of Riverside State Park, located at 9711 W. Charles Road.

Finally, the Trail crosses Charles Road and ends two blocks later inside Sontag Park.