From the Idaho/Washington state line to Higgins Point on beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene, this fantastic trail travels for 23 miles alongside the Spokane River and into the mountains of northern Idaho. Rest facilities, beautiful vistas, and historical information plaques may be found throughout the mostly asphalt path. West of the trailhead, it links with another trail, Interstate Centennial Trail, which follows the river to Spokane.

Introducing the Trail

The North Idaho Centennial Route is a 24-mile (39 km) paved path in Idaho. running from Higgens Point which is found on the northeastern shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene. The route follows the Spokane River north to the Idaho and Washington border.

Once past the state line, it becomes a new trail, called Spokane River Centennial Trail. terminating at Sontag Park at Nine Mile Falls., It’s another 37 miles (60 km). The route passes via Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene.

The Idaho Centennial Trail is operated and maintained by Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Kootenai County, and the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. The North Idaho Centennial Trail Foundation also helps.

The following regulations help maintain a good environment on the trail

  • You should always stay on the right of the trail
  • Alcoholic drinks are not allowed on the trail
  • Pedestrians always have priority
  • You should remain on the marked trail
  • The maximum cycling speed is 15 mph
  • On open stretches, cycles should not exceed two abreast. If there are pedestrians, this should be reduced to a single file
  • You must keep pets under control with a leash
  • Leave plants and animals alone
  • Whatever you bring onto the trail should be removed from the trail
  • No structures allowed
  • Motorized transport is not permitted on the trail
  • You are not allowed to camp

Places to Visit on North Idaho Centennial Trai

Higgins Point

There’s plenty to do at Higgins Point, the North Idaho Centennial Trail’s terminus.

Hiking

Higgens Point is on the Centennial Trail, which offers great lakeside hiking and strolling. Go on a hike or take amazing ocean photographs. During the winter, bald eagles migrate to Lake Coeur d’Alene! North Idaho in general is a fantastic place to enjoy some good hiking.

Boating

Enjoy the vista from Higgens Point, which also features a boat launch and dock. Enjoy a day on the lake in Beauty Bay. Cost: $10 plus $5 launch fee. But hurry, this launch is hot and will rapidly sell out.

Swimming

Are they going to Higgens Point to cool down in the lake? It’s in the appropriate location! The east side of the lake is quiet. So the wakes are little. And swim in calm, near-perfect water with your family. Please tidy up after your pets.

Relaxing

Want to set up some chairs for the day? Simple. At Higgens Point, you may pitch a tent, relax, and enjoy the day. Arrive early in the summer. The beach gets crowded soon.

Lake Coeur d’Alene

The North Idaho Centennial Trail reaches Coeur d’Alene Lake. Each winter, from November to February, the landlocked little sockeye salmon called kokanee assemble by the thousands to spawn the die along the gravel beaches of Coeur d’Alene Lake, notably around Wolf Lodge Bay.

For bald eagles, this spawn results in a feast. Bald eagles assemble in vast numbers around the bay in late fall and early January and provide one of Idaho’s great wildlife spectacles. The numbers fluctuate yearly, but it’s not uncommon for more than 200 eagles to be tallied.

There are various viewing spots from shore, including Higgins Point and the Mineral Ridge boat port and trailhead. Eagles are also typically prevalent in adjacent Beauty Bay.

Post-Falls

The town of Post Falls, Idaho, is surrounded by beautiful mountains and ponderosa pine trees. It is situated alongside the spectacular rushing Spokane River.

Post-Falls, a genuine mill town with spectacular natural beauty and rich history, serves as a starting point for your North Idaho excursion along the North Idaho Centennial Trail, which runs through the town.

The Post Falls Community Woodland is a community initiative that aims to provide a flourishing forest area to the city. There are hiking and walking routes, mountain bike trails, and fishing and kayaking areas along the Spokane River. There are also chances to view wildlife. This wooded region is about a three-minute vehicle journey away from Q’emiln Park, accessible through West Riverview Drive.

After you’ve finished at Post Falls, you can continue your journey along the North Idaho Centennial Trail.

Post Falls Dam

One of the most notable features of this trail is the Post Falls Dam, a spectacular concrete structure that spans the Spokane River.

This dam helped to generate electrical power for early settlers in the area, and it is now a major tourist attraction for those visiting the Post Falls region. This dam is located just downstream from the Q’emiln Park, making it a convenient stop on your journey along the North Idaho Centennial Trail.

Tubbs Hill in Coeur d’Alene

If you are wanting to do some hiking, but don’t want to go to Higgins Point, you should take a quick look at Tubbs Hill! These trails are well-marked and easy to follow, and it provides stunning views of Lake Coeur d’Alene.

The trailhead is located at the south end of Tubbs Hill, and the trail itself is just over two miles long. It is a popular destination for hikers, joggers, and nature lovers, and it is a great way to experience the beauty of Tubbs Hill.

Conclusion

The Centennial Trail is a great way to see North Idaho. There are many different things to see and do along the trail. You can hike, bike, swim, boat, relax, and enjoy the scenery.

Be sure to bring your camera to take pictures of the beautiful landscape. And don’t forget to pack a lunch to enjoy at one of the many picnic areas along the way.