North Idaho Centennial Trail

710 E Mullan Ave , Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814

Hours

There are no specific hours for visiting the North Idaho Centennial Trail, though in general public parks in Idaho are open 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Cost

Visiting the North Idaho Centennial Trail is free, but parking may require fees.

If planning an event, check their website for information on Special Activities permits (marathons, walkathons, triathlons, etc.)

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About

Enjoy exploring a pathway that connects Lake Coeur d'Alene to Spokane, Washington! Known as the Centennial Trail, we'll be exploring the section in CDA, the North Idaho Centennial Trail.

This paved, multi-use recreational pathway begins at Higgins Point and connects to surrounding communities. It is a destination for cyclists, walkers, and anyone looking to explore the outdoors.

The North Idaho Centennial Trail follows the historic route of the Spokane International Railroad. This route transported timber, minerals, and agricultural goods.

As the reliance on trains diminished, many of these lines fell into disuse. In time, officials removed the tracks, leaving behind a graded corridor winding through forests, along riverbanks, and past developing towns.

In the late 1980s, a new vision for this abandoned railway began to form. Community leaders and outdoor enthusiasts saw an opportunity to transform the forgotten path into a public asset. The idea was to create a paved trail linking Lake Coeur d'Alene to the Washington state line, offering a safe, scenic route for non-motorized travel.

The project gained momentum as part of Idaho's centennial celebration in 1990, giving the trail its name. Volunteers, local governments, and private donors worked together to bring the vision to life.

This team of like-minded people built the trail in sections, connecting key points of interest throughout Coeur d'Alene. More importantly, the trail symbolized community collaboration and a commitment to preserving the area's natural splendor.

This transformation from an industrial artery to a recreational haven makes it a place for health, leisure, and appreciation of nature.

North Idaho Centennial Trail: Fun Facts & Cool Features

As mentioned, this pathway connects to a larger network at the Idaho-Washington state line. By joining the Spokane River Centennial Trail, it becomes a 63-mile route that connects Lake Coeur d'Alene and Nine Mile Falls, Washington. This corridor is a calling card for long-distance cyclists or multi-day excursions, linking two states and numerous parks and communities along the Spokane River.

AllTrails lists the 30-mile pathway as moderate, with an elevation gain of 597 feet, and it offers a variety of scenery. While most pick up the route at McEuen Park near Tubbs Hill, the start is actually further east at Higgins Point on Lake Coeur d'Alene. This scenic start hugs the shoreline, offering breathtaking views, and meanders past one of Idaho's iconic restaurants, Tony's on the Lake.

Once you reach McEuen Park, the trail winds past Downtown Coeur d'Alene and follows the Spokane River beside Riverstone Park and restaurants like Terraza Waterfront Cafe. From there, it hugs I-90 to the state line.

The paved trail also features markers and interpretive signs that provide information about the local history, flora, and fauna. Mile markers along the pathway make it easy to track distance and navigate one's journey.

Additionally, several dedicated rest areas with benches and picnic tables offer spots to relax and take in the scenery.

The North Idaho Centennial Trail offers accessibility, a car-free environment, and a gentle grade, making it a budget-friendly way to experience the best of Coeur d'Alene's outdoor beauty.

Local Tips

Rent a bike or e-bike for a fun way to cover more ground.
Pack water and snacks.
Stay to the right side of the trail.
Pets must be on a leash.
Start early in the morning during summer to avoid the midday heat and crowds.

Location

710 E Mullan Ave , Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Coeur d'Alene from Spokane, WA?

Spokane International Airport (GEG) sits less than 40 minutes away. The drive is smooth and scenic, leading from city bustle to the calm of lake and mountain views. Coeur d’Alene feels close enough for easy travel yet far enough to hold its small-town charm.

What is the weather like in Coeur d'Alene?

Spring hillsides wake in green. The average high climbs to roughly 55 °F and the low holds near 36 °F, with lengthening days and the first warmth of spring returning to the lake. Precipitation in April averages around 2 inches, signalling the slow return of gentler weather.
Summer brings clear skies and long, warm days. In July, the average high reaches about 84 °F and the low settles near 55 °F. The skies stay clear roughly three-quarters of the time, with more than thirteen hours of sunshine each day and less than half an inch of rainfall on average.
Autumn days shorten and the air cools, the hills shift to gold and crimson. By October, the average high falls to around 58 °F and the low to about 38 °F. Rain collection for this month averages around 1 inch.
Winter arrives quietly, bringing an average high near 37 °F and a low around 26 °F in January. Precipitation accumulates to about 3 inches, with significant snowfall in the nearby mountains.

When is the best time to visit Coeur d'Alene?

Coeur d’Alene is a four-season destination, and each time of year offers its own kind of wonder.

Spring breathes color back into the hills. Trails open, golf courses green up, and wildflowers scatter across the shoreline. The days feel light and full of promise
Summer hums with life. The lake sparkles under long daylight hours, boats trace silver wakes, and the town moves to the rhythm of music, markets, and festivals. Evenings stretch lazily into starlit nights by the water
Autumn slows the tempo. The forests flare in gold and crimson, and the air carries the scent of pine and cool earth. It’s a time for quiet hikes, scenic drives, and sunsets that feel like good endings.
Winter softens everything. Downtown glows with lights, cafés steam with warmth, and the surrounding mountains call skiers to fresh snow. The calm of the lake in winter feels like a secret worth keeping

When are the high and low seasons in Coeur d'Alene?

The high season begins around Memorial Day and runs through Labor Day. This period draws the most visitors: lakeside activities, hiking, golfing and festivals all hit their stride.

The low season takes hold in the fall and winter months. The crowds thin and the pace becomes calmer. Yet the region still welcomes travelers thanks to excellent skiing nearby and the holiday charm downtown.

What are the biggest main events in Coeur d'Alene?

Coeur d’Alene fills its calendar with moments that bring the whole town to life.

Ironman Coeur d’Alene (end of June) – The city wakes early and cheers loud. Athletes from around the world test themselves against lake, mountain, and road while crowds line the shore in the summer sun. The air hums with determination and pride.
Car d’Alene (Father’s Day weekend) – Engines rumble and chrome gleams under the streetlights. Downtown becomes a parade of classics and customs, live music spills from every corner, and the whole weekend feels like a rolling celebration of motion and nostalgia.
Fourth of July Celebration – Begin the day with a classic small-town parade filled with flags, music, and hometown pride. As daylight fades, the lake turns glassy and still before the fireworks begin. Reflections dance across the water, echoing cheers from beaches and boats gathered to watch one of the Northwest’s most dazzling displays.
Art on the Green (1st weekend of August) – The lakefront becomes a garden of creativity. Artists, musicians, and chefs fill the air with color, sound, and the scent of local food. It’s a festival that feels handmade and full of heart.
Oktoberfest (mid-September) – A lively weekend downtown with local brews, food, and music that celebrate the turn of the season.
Holiday Lighting Ceremony & Parade (Day after Thanksgiving) – When winter settles in, the city glows. More than a million lights wrap the downtown waterfront, the parade winds through streets lined with cocoa cups and mittens, and the night ends with the lake shining under its holiday crown. From the resort docks, cruise across the water to the “North Pole”, where children meet Santa and the shoreline sparkles with wonder.

What are must-sees in Coeur d'Alene?

Lake Coeur d’Alene: Glide across the wide blue surface of Lake Coeur d’Alene, where the mountains lean in and the water carries light like a mirror. Boats trace gentle wakes, kayaks cut through stillness at dawn, and the shoreline invites slow strolls and quiet reflection. Step aboard one of the scenic lake cruises from The Coeur d’Alene Resort to see hidden bays, forested hillsides, and sunsets that seem to last forever.
Tubbs Hill Natural Area: Right beside downtown, this 2.2-mile loop blends forest, granite cliffs, and lake views. You’ll find hidden coves, clean water, and the quiet that comes when nature is only steps from the café.
Downtown Sherman Avenue & Lakefront Boardwalk: Wander from art galleries to coffee to waterfront benches. Walk the floating boardwalk around the marina at dusk and watch the lights shimmer in the water. The town feels alive without being rushed.
Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course (Floating Green): Even if you’re not big on golf, this is a spectacle. A green that floats on the lake! It captures the spirit of the place; water, lush grass, and an unexpected twist of fun.
North Idaho Centennial Trail and Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes: Set your pace to discovery. These trails stretch past the lake, along rivers, through forests, and into open sky. Whether you’re walking, biking, or breathing the air, it offers a way to explore without getting lost in busy-town energy.
Silverwood: Just north of Coeur d’Alene, Silverwood brings a jolt of excitement to the region’s easygoing pace. Roller coasters rise above the trees, and the air fills with the sound of laughter and rushing water from Boulder Beach Water Park. Spend the day chasing thrills, then return to the lake for a quiet sunset. Two sides of summer living in perfect balance.