Valley

The Valley portion of the Trail is mostly Class One trail. (That means it's safe, separated Trail). This section of the Trail is also fairly flat, as it generally follows the contours of the Spokane River. 

The Valley section of the Trail actually begins at the Washington-Idaho state line. This is the "zero mile marker" of the Trail.  The state line location is also where the Spokane Centennial Trail and the North Idaho Centennial Trail intersect. The two Trails are actually contiguous, with a combined total length of almost 60 miles. Here, you will find public parking by the Visitor's Bureau in what is known as Gateway Park. If you wish to view the North Idaho Centennial Trail website, click here:  www.northidahocentennialtrail.org

Heading west, for about the first mile past the Visitor's Bureau, the Trail generally runs parallel to the freeway. At Mile 2 the Trail veers north closer to the river where the terrain is fairly flat and the sides of the trail are grassy. Moving into mile 3, the terrain enters a more wooded area. Mile 5 brings you to the Harvard Road Trailhead, where more public parking is available. From the Harvard Road Trailhead, you can also access the Liberty Lake Trail system by traveling south along Harvard Road.

Miles 6-8 are very scenic and close by the river. This section of the Trail has breathtaking views and is easy to bike or run. Mile 8 also brings you near the Spokane Valley Mall. You can exit the Trail on the west side of Sullivan Bridge to access the shopping mall. 

Continuing west on the Trail takes you to the two Mirabeau Park trailheads. The south trailhead (at milepost 10.5) is almost directly across the street from the YMCA building and the Mirabeau Park waterfall. The restrooms just past the south trailhead have been indefinitely closed due to water quality issues. However, a water fountain and open public restrooms are located inside Mirabeau Park. These are located across the street from the north Mirabeau trailhead (just southeast of milepost #11).

Continuing west on the Trail, cross the Denny Ashlock Memorial Bridge at mile 12.5.  If you turn left, you will continue to head west along the route of the Trail. Or you may head east (uphill) to find restrooms and public parking. By continuing to head east here for a half mile, you'll eventually reach Plante's Ferry Park, and then the Valley Soccer Complex. 

NOTE OF CAUTION:  At mile 13.5 you'll find the Maringo Drive Trailhead. Located here are public restrooms, but no public parking. Illegally parked cars in this residential area will be towed at the owner's expense. The closest available parking is located at the Spokane County Library, at 4322 N. Argonne Road. 

Traveling from east to west, the Maringo Trailhead is also where the Trail begins a 2.5 mile stretch of "Trail Gap."  This means it follows along the edge of busy roadways through Millwood, and is not buffered from automobile traffic.  Mile 13.5 through Mile 16 of the Trail are not recommended for parents with small children. 

However, if you do want to follow this route, take Maringo Drive heading west to Farr Road. Go north at Farr Road for 8 blocks. At Upriver Drive, turn west and follow the roadway for 1.5 miles. At Boulder Beach, the Trail again reverts to Class 1 Trail (safe, separated from roadways). This is the end of the Valley portion of the Trail. You now enter the Urban portion of the Trail. Enjoy!