Rail Trailing: May 2018

Overview

The North Idaho Centennial Trail is a 24 mile rail-trail conversion that was dedicated as part of Idaho's centennial celebration. It stretches from Higgins Point on the east side to the Washington-Idaho border on the west, where it ultimately connects to Washington's Spokane River Centennial Trail (which I rode back in 2016). Washington became a state in 1889, and Idaho in 1890, and the trails were a cooperative project to connect the states. Here's a little history with some cool photos.

I'm still trying to confirm the railways involved here. The NICT Foundation website says the bridge at the state line was "built around 1910 by the Milwaukee Railroad" (formally the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railroad, commonly known as the Milwaukee Road). On the Washington side, however, the trail reportedly consists of remnants of the Spokane & Inland Empire Railroad Company and Great Northern Railway (TrailLink.com, Centennial Trail State Park, Washington).

I had previously thought the Milwaukee Road only passed to the south of Spokane and Coeur d'Alene. However, after a little review, it appears that they added a 'spur' from Plummer, ID, north all the way to Metaline Falls, WA (at the Canadian border) for mining purposes. They also shared the Union Depot (in downtown Spokane) with the Union Pacific Railroad, and maps show a spur heading east from Spokane to Coeur d'Alene. I presume this lead to the construction of the bridge.

As much as I prefer the 'wilderness', sometimes civilization cannot be avoided. This trail passes through the heart of Coeur d'Alene, and continuing west, follows Interstate 90. So for this ride, I chose to start at the east trailhead, at Higgins Point, in hopes of getting more lakeside views and less I-90 views. I rode about 10 miles west to where the lake feeds into the Spokane River, then turned around.

Photos

Heading east from Higgins Point, the path follows E Coeur d'Alene Lake Drive.

Passing along-side the Veterans Memorial Centennial Bridge (Interstate 90).

From here you can see the trail below from the trail above.

As you reach Coeur d'Alene, watch for this sign (at Mullan Avenue). The trail follows side streets for just over a mile, and if you miss this turn (as I did), you're off the trail and on to sidewalks.