West Segment of the Centennial Trail

	Nine Mile Dam near the west end of the trail

Scenery on the west segment of the Spokane Centennial Trail is nothing less than spectacular: towering pine trees, birds-eye views of the river (including the Bowl and Pitcher area), broad vistas of the Spokane Valley, and panoramic views of the Spokane River.

While the other segments of the trail follow a relatively level course through mostly open terrain, the west segment contains a number of climbs and descents through the forested hills of Riverside State Park. While most of the climbs are relatively short in duration, come prepared for a higher level aerobic workout.

Popular access points along the way include the Military Cemetery (off Government Way at the 28-mile mark), Bowl and Pitcher overlook (30-mile mark), Seven Mile Road (34-mile mark), and Sontag Park (37-mile mark). Foot travelers may also access the trail via the footbridge from the campground at Bowl & Pitcher, across the river from the trail.

Trail users must share the road with motorized vehicles on some sections of the trail. However, in most of these sections, motorized travel is limited to local residents. Riverside Park Drive is blocked off at several strategic locations, preventing its use as a through street.

Near the Bowl & Pitcher overlook, the trail moves out of the trees and into the open

The west segment begins at the access point and parking area on Pettet Drive just east of the George Wright Bridge, near milepost 26 of the trail.

After crossing the Spokane River via George Wright Bridge, the trail descends to a kiosk, which has a map and other trail information. Beyond the kiosk, the trail begins a climb through towering fir and pine trees.

The climb moderates at milepost 28 near the Military Cemetery. A restroom is located on the right side of the trail. A bit further is a side trail which descends to the river.

After a half-mile segment through open woodlands, meadows and wildflowers, the trail joins Aubrey White Parkway for a 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. 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.

At milepost 36, the trail crosses Deep Creek Bridge. Here, there is a quarter-mile side trip to Deep Creek Canyon. About three quarters of a mile beyond the bridge, the trail joins Carlson Road. After a descent to the junction with Charles Road, the trail ends at Sontag Park.

Map of the west segment The Friends of the Centennial Trail have produced a detailed pocket map of the entire Spokane Centennial Trail. You can order a full color map on-line for $3.75     Maps are also available by sending $3.75 to the Friends of the Centennial Trail or by visiting Fitness Fanatics,  Wheel Sport East or the Spokane REI store. Back to the Overview Map

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