Biking The North Idaho Centennial Trail: A Complete Guide
The North Idaho Centennial Trail is a 23-mile scenic biking route from Higgens Point on the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene to the Washington state line. Perfect for cyclists of all skill levels, it’s one of the most accessible bike paths in North Idaho.
While North Idaho has no shortage of challenging mountain biking runs and is also home to the award-winning Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, the North Idaho Centennial Trail is unique in its part urban bike path and part nature escape.
Seamlessly blending downtown Coeur d’Alene with scenic lake views, the trail offers something for everyone. At 23 miles, it can be completed in one day or broken over a couple of days if you need to backtrack and want time to stop and enjoy the beauty of the area.
In this North Idaho Centennial Trail Guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the trail, from bike rentals to fun excursions and great places to eat.
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Map of the North Idaho Centennial Trail
The Centennial Trail officially begins at mile 0 on the Idaho-Washington state line and stretches eastward until it reaches Higgens Point, a serene cove on Lake Coeur d’Alene.
From Mile 0 to 13, the trail follows closely to Highway 90 and weaves through Post Falls and industrial work zones. It’s the least attractive part of the trail but less crowded, which can appeal to avid cyclists looking for an uninterrupted ride.
After mile 13, it leaves the highway and enters Riverstone Park in Coeur d’Alene, where the trail becomes an urban path that follows along the Spokane River to Lake Coeur d’Alene and eventually the heart of downtown Coeur d’Alene. This is one of the busiest sections of the trail and one of the most vibrant sections, with access to the river, the lake, and fun stops along the way.
After Mile 17, you’ll leave the downtown core and follow along Lake Couer d’Alene Drive to eventually reach Higgens Point. This section is right along Lake Couer d’Alene and is the most picturesque, with several points to hop off to enjoy the water or the views.
I’ll go through each section of the North Idaho Centennial Trail in more detail below.
Biking the North Idaho Centennial Trail
Mile 0-11
The span from Mile 0 to Mile 11 on the North Idaho Centennial Trail is the most industrial of the route, offering fewer scenic views compared to later sections. This portion runs next to Highway 90 and includes areas near Post Falls, where construction and work zones are common. While not as scenic, we still enjoyed our time, but I wouldn’t recommend it to a casual visitor to the area wanting to see the best of the trail. If you’re going to explore beyond The North Idaho Centennial Trail and continue westward onto the Spokane River Centennial Trail, it’s a great trail.
Interesting Sights
- Gateway Bridge: At the start of the trail, you’ll pass over Gateway Bridge with beautiful views of the Spokane River.
- Q’emiln Park: Features hiking trails and a nice riverfront area, the perfect place for a break.
Restaurants + Drinks
- Post Falls Brewing Company: Drinks only; food trucks are sometimes available.
- Republic Kitchen + Taphouse: Casual American restaurant and pub.
Mile 11-17
The stretch from Mile 11 to Mile 17 on the North Idaho Centennial Trail is the urban segment, taking riders through Coeur d’Alene’s lively downtown and Riverstone Park. This portion offers beautiful lakeside scenery and easy access to the trail’s top attractions. Bikers can enjoy Riverstone’s waterfront park and then continue along the path toward the bustling streets of downtown Coeur d’Alene, which are lined with restaurants, shops, and cafes. It’s the perfect area for a leisurely pace, soaking in the city’s heart while still riding along the lakeshore.
In the summer, you’ll want to wear a bathing suit in case the water (or heat!) tempts you
Interesting Sights
- Riverstone Park: An urban park with housing and retail development. Kids can enjoy the jungle gym sets and riverside access. You can also check out the shops and restaurants for a snack or window shopping session. There is a farmers market (May-October) every Wednesday from 4-7 pm.
- McEuen Park: Family-friendly park in downtown Coeur d’Alene with a fantastic splash pad and playground. One of the best things to do in Coeur d’Alene with kids!
- Tubbs Hill: A forested natural area with short hiking trails and secluded swimming spots.
- Downtown Coeur d’Alene: You can go off-trail to walk through the charming downtown area of Coeur d’Alene.
Restaurants + Drinks
- Dockside: Located in the Couer d’Alene Resort, Dockside serves a variety of American-style dishes, including seafood, burgers, and steaks. They’re also famous for their “Gooey” desserts and massive sundaes, which make for a memorable treat after a day of biking. Gluten-Free Options.
- Hudsons Hamburgers: A local institution serving classic burgers downtown. It’s first come, first served, so you can expect a wait. Cash only.
- Vine & Olive Eatery and Wine Bar: A locally owned bistro-style spot in the Riverstone area. Great for fresh fare and wine. Gluten-Free Options.
Mile 17-23
The segment from Mile 17 to Mile 23 on the North Idaho Centennial Trail takes bikers beyond downtown Coeur d’Alene and into more open, scenic areas as it follows the northern shoreline of Lake Coeur d’Alene. This section offers fewer urban stops, giving it a more peaceful vibe, with stretches of nature that transition to quieter lakeside paths. Along the way, you’ll encounter spots perfect for short rests, photo opportunities, and glimpses of the beautiful lake and surrounding mountains. The trail eventually ends at Higgens Point, where stunning lake views make for a picturesque conclusion.
From roughly Mile 20-21, the path has a steep ascent that will get your blood pumping and your thighs burning. Since we were with our son, we chose to walk it but watched as many seasoned bikers passed us like it was nothing. An e-bike would be perfect for that section!
READ NEXT: The Best Things To Do In Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Restaurants + Drinks
- Tony’s on the Lake: A relaxed Italian spot with stunning lakeside views, ideal for a sit-down meal.
- Bakery By the Lake: A cafe perfect for coffee, pastries, and sandwiches before or after your ride. Gluten-free options.
Where to Rent Bikes For The North Idaho Centennial Trail.
For renting bikes to explore the North Idaho Centennial Trail, your best option is renting in Coeur d’Alene, where you can easily rent and ride straight to the trail. Here are three great options with a variety of bike types.
- CDA Bike Co, located in downtown Coeur d’Alene, offers a wide range of rentals, including e-bikes, comfort bikes, gravel bikes, tandems, and children’s bikes for trail use and the city’s scenic areas. They provide helmets and locks with each rental.
- Vertical Earth is another top spot for bike rentals in Coeur d’Alene. They rent out beach cruisers and 7-speed townies. Vertical Earth also offers bike maintenance and repair services if needed during your trip.
- Pedego Electric Bikes Coeur d’Alene, located in Riverstone Village, offers a selection of Pedego electric bikes that are perfect for anyone who wants the extra assistance of a motor, with options for hourly, daily, or weekly rentals. Pedego provides helmets and locks, making it easy for riders to experience the trail comfortably.
What to Bring: Essentials for Biking the North Idaho Centennial Trail
- Water Supply: Pack plenty of water for the ride, as there aren’t water stations along the trail. We refilled our bottles when we stopped at cafes along the way.
- Snacks: While there are plenty of places to eat along the route, keeping snacks like Munk Bars on hand will ensure you stay fueled.
- Helmet: Helmets aren’t required for adults, but we prefer the added safety, using our trusted Thousand Helmets for peace of mind.
- Sun Protection: Much of the trail is open and sunny, so sun protection is essential. We relied on Supergoop sunblock and wore Vapor Apparel UPF Shirts designed for outdoor activities to protect ourselves.
- Bike Repair Kit: Though the trail is mostly smooth, it’s wise to carry a bike repair kit like this, just in case. We popped our tire on the trail and DID NOT have a kit. Luckily, we were close to the end and walked the rest of the way. We drove to Vertical Earth in Coeur d’Alene to buy a patch kit. That’s why we know to always have a bike repair kit in your bag!
- First Aid Kit: A compact first aid kit with essentials like bandages and sting relief comes in handy.
FAQs: Key Questions for Biking the North Idaho Centennial Trail
Is the North Idaho Centennial Trail family-friendly?
Yes, the trail is flat, with bathrooms, fun sights, and multiple trailheads with parking, making it a great choice for families or beginner cyclists.
Parents with young kids (4-7 years old) or inexperienced bikers might want to avoid sections of the trail that are directly on the road. The North Idaho Centennial Trail always has a dedicated bike lane, but small sections veer off the paved path to a shared road with cars. The trail map above denotes these sections.
The areas of note for parents are between Mile 16-18, where you’ll bike on an extra wide bike lane along Lake Shore Drive and in a residential neighborhood. We found it to be very safe and not too bad for our seven-year-old son.
There is also a small section after Mile 15 going east, where you’ll be on the road (in a dedicated bike lane) biking through a thorofare with lots of foot traffic and slow car traffic. Young bikers might have trouble navigating all the obstacles.
Another area of note is that after you pass the restaurant Tony’s on the Lake from roughly Mile 20 to 21, the ascent is steep and quite challenging for kids (and adults!). We did it with our seven-year-old, but we got off our bikes and walked it because it was simply too hard for him. We are a very active family and were okay, but some families will want to skip that section. It’s also quite fast when you head back in the other direction and get to travel downhill. Don’t get me wrong, it’s fun but not the safest idea for young bikers.
Are e-bikes allowed on the trail?
Class 1 and 2 ebikes are allowed on the North Idaho Centennial Trail. The maximum speed limit allowed on the trail for bikes is 15 MPH.
What is the most scenic part of the North Idaho Centennial Trail?
The most scenic in terms of nature and enjoying the lake or river views is from Mile 13-16, where you can enjoy the Spokane River meeting up with Lake Coeur d’Alene. This is a very populated area that passes through a community college and a prominent park in Coeur d’Alene. Unless it’s early in the morning or not in the summer months, you can expect a lot of people. It is an urban trail.
From the Rutledge Trailhead, near Mile 18, to the trail’s end is another beautiful area with far fewer crowds. It’s my favorite area of the park. It has a steep ascent from Mile 20-21, but it’s delightfully quiet with many places to stop and enjoy the water, go fishing, or look out for eagles that perch high in the trees.
Are there bathrooms and rest stops along the trail?
Yes, there are plenty of bathrooms and places to stop along the trail for resting, eating, and using the bathroom. The bathrooms are listed above in the trail map. I recommend taking a screenshot of the map so you can look at your phone for reference.
Where should I stay in Coeur d’Alene while biking the North Idaho Centennial Trail?
The best place to base yourself is in the heart of Couer d’Alene, where you can have a range of options from high-end resorts, chain hotels, and home rentals from VRBO. You can check out my full article on the best places to stay in Coeur d’Alene for every budget.
Enjoy biking the North Idaho Centennial Trail! Once you’ve explored that, you’ll have to try North Idaho’s premier biking paths, the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, and the Route of the Hiawatha.
Happy Adventures!
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