In the Spokane and Northern Idaho area, there are a number of "rails to trails," former rail lines that have been turned into recreational trails--some of them paved--for bikers, walkers, and joggers. Many of these trails are free to use and they often go through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Inland Northwest.
The two best known trails are probably the Centennial Trail in Spokane and the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes in Idaho, both of which are free. The Centennial Trail is 37 miles long, starting west of Spokane and running to the Idaho border where it becomes the North Idaho Centennial Trail and continues for another 24 miles. The Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes, which is paved and well maintained, is 72 miles long and crosses the Idaho Panhandle from Plummer in the west to Mullan in the east.
A popular trail located on the Idaho-Montana border is the Route of the Hiawatha. This unpaved trail with a day use fee is 15 miles long and goes downhill all the way. The mountain views are stunning, and it even passes through several former railroad tunnels and over a number of former railroad bridges. If you're not too keen on biking back up to the top, pay a little extra for the shuttle that takes you and your bike to your car.
But don't just take my word about the rails to trails. Check out these websites and books that are available at the library:
Websites
- Centennial Trail / North Idaho Centennial Trail
- Columbia Plateau Trail
- Fish Lake Trail
- Route of the Hiawatha
- Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes
- TrailLink
- The Official Rails-to-Trails by Mia Barbera
- Best Rail Trails: Pacific Northwest by Natalie Bartley
Enjoy the rails to trails this summer!
Yours truly pondering trails on the perch.
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