Urban

The urban segment of the Spokane River Centennial Trail begins near milepost 17 of the Trail. There is a restroom and parking area just east of the Upriver Dam and the intersection of Frederick Avenue and Upriver Drive. Here the Trail is between Upriver Drive and the Spokane River across from the parking/restroom area.See the access map for additional access points.

At a half mile west of the parking area the route joins Upriver Drive for a mile or so. After crossing Greene Street near milepost 18, the Trail returns to a separate paved path running along the river. There are several places to stop and cool off in the shade of willow trees lining the river bank before heading into downtown Spokane.

At approximately Mile 20, the Trail and Upriver Drive intersect with Mission Avenue.  Turn west (right) onto the sidewalk that parallels Mission. Go one block along the sidewalk and then turn south (left) at the Perry Street crossing. Continue heading south through the parking lot in  Mission Park. Inside the park there are restrooms, water, and picnic tables.

From here the Trail becomes its own paved path once again, taking you over Hamilton Street and through the Gonzaga University campus. At mile 21.5 you will cross  over the Don Kardong Bridge, then past the Miracle Mile Medallions (milepost 22), and into Riverfront Park in the heart of downtown Spokane.

Downtown lodging options include The Davenport Hotel, Hotel Lusso, The Montvale Hotel, Doubletree Hotel, and Travel Lodge. View our Lodging webpage for detailed information. Since bicycles are not allowed on Division Street (Highway 395) in the city limits, use Howard Street at the west end of Riverside Park to access these downtown locations.

NOTE OF CAUTION:  Heading north and west from Riverfront Park, the Trail begins an approximate 3.5 mile stretch of "Trail Gap."  This means it is roadside-only trail, and is not buffered from automobile traffic. This section is not encouraged for parents with small children, due to the nearby automobile traffic.   

However, if you do want to follow this route, head north on the Howard Street Bridge across the Spokane River. There are excellent views of Spokane Falls from the bridge. After crossing the river, continue north on Howard Street for a couple of blocks and then turn west onto Maxwell Avenue, following the city bike route. Stay on Maxwell for approximately 2 miles. Then turn north at Pettet Drive, eventually heading down the famous "Doomsday Hill."  At the bottom of the hill, where the roadway splits into a "Y," cross over onto the "middle sidewalk section." Follow the sidewalk to the "upstream" corner of T.J. Meenach Bridge (be sure to stay on the side of the bridge closest to Doomsday Hill). There you'll find a safe, separated walkway, which is buffered from automobile traffic. At the far end of the bridge, veer to your left, and you'll rejoin the separated, off-road Trail, which runs for another 11 miles through beautiful Riverside State Park. Enjoy!