There’s a moment every year when winter loosens its grip on Spokane. I always feel it first in the air—the bite of frost softens into something gentle, scented faintly with damp earth and budding leaves. Birds return, filling the early mornings with chatter, and the Spokane River swells with snow melt, roaring with renewed vigor. That is when my legs begin to itch for the pedals.
Spring in Spokane is not just a season; it’s an invitation. The trails thaw, the parks burst into bloom, and cyclists reclaim the Centennial Trail, the city streets, and the quiet rural routes that stretch beyond town. Every time I climb onto my bike in those first days of spring, I feel like a kid again—freed from layers of winter, my lungs filling with cool air, my eyes soaking up the sudden abundance of green.
I’ve ridden in many cities, but Spokane in spring holds something special. It’s the scale: not too sprawling, not too small, threaded with trails that hug the river or climb into neighborhoods where lilacs bloom. It’s the fact that you can start downtown by the waterfalls and, in a single ride, find yourself in pine forests or riding past wheat fields.
Over the years, I’ve come to treasure three cycling routes in particular during Spokane’s spring: the Spokane River Centennial Trail, the Fish Lake Trail, and the loop around Riverside State Park. Each offers a different way of encountering the city and its landscape. Along these rides, I’ve discovered not just exercise, but moments of awe, laughter, and sometimes quiet reflection.
Route 1: The Spokane River Centennial Trail
Where It Begins and Where It Goes
The Spokane River Centennial Trail is the backbone of cycling in Spokane. Stretching about 37 miles from Nine Mile Falls in Washington to the Idaho state line, it’s a paved multi-use path that traces the Spokane River almost the entire way.
I usually start my spring rides downtown at Riverfront Park (507 N Howard St, Spokane, WA 99201). The trail winds right past the clocktower and the roaring Spokane Falls, offering a spectacular opening scene. From there, it snakes east and west, giving cyclists countless options for how far to ride.
My Experience Riding the Trail in Spring
The first time I rode the Centennial Trail in spring, I could hardly keep my eyes on the pavement. On the eastbound stretch, lilacs and wildflowers lined the path. The river, swollen with snowmelt, rushed beside me, gleaming in the morning sun. Families pushed strollers, joggers paced themselves, and every so often I passed another cyclist who nodded in silent solidarity.
When I reached Boulder Beach Park (4421 Upriver Dr, Spokane, WA 99207), I stopped to catch my breath. The beach was empty except for a lone fisherman, his line slicing the water in steady arcs. I pulled out my phone and snapped photos—the sparkle of the river, the curve of my bike against the pebbled shore.
Key Scenic Stops Along the Trail
- Spokane Falls (Downtown Spokane): The heart of the trail. In spring, the falls are thunderous, a reminder of the raw power of water. There’s no entrance fee, and the best photos come from the pedestrian bridges near Riverfront Park.
- Mission Park (1208 E Mission Ave, Spokane, WA 99202): A tranquil stop with blooming gardens and benches. Free entry, a great place for a mid-ride snack.
- Nine Mile Falls Recreation Area (11226 W Charles Rd, Nine Mile Falls, WA 99026): On the western end of the trail. Parking is free, and the views of the river widening into calmer waters are breathtaking.
Costs and Booking Info
The trail itself is free to use. Parking is also free at many trailheads, though downtown garages near Riverfront Park can cost \$2–\$6 per hour. No reservations are required, but if you want to book bike rentals, Spokane Bike Hub (125 S Stevens St, Spokane, WA 99201) offers spring packages starting at \$25/day. Reservations can be made directly on their website or through TripAdvisor’s rental section, which sometimes includes discounts.
Photo Tips
Bring a wide-angle lens or use your phone’s panorama mode when photographing Spokane Falls. In spring, the volume of water is so high that mist often sprays the bridges—wipe your lens quickly and shoot toward the late afternoon sun for rainbow effects.
Route 2: The Fish Lake Trail
Where It Starts
The Fish Lake Trail begins at W Sunset Blvd near Government Way, Spokane, WA 99224. It extends about 9 miles one way, leading riders southwest out of the city into a corridor of pine forests, basalt rock outcroppings, and open meadows.
My First Ride in Spring
I’ll never forget my first spring ride here. The city quickly fell away, and suddenly I was pedaling through a tunnel of evergreens, the scent of sap thick in the air. The trail felt quieter than the Centennial—fewer strollers, more solitude. Every curve revealed another postcard scene: fields just beginning to green, basalt cliffs catching the morning light, red-winged blackbirds perched on cattails.
At about mile 6, I stopped at Marshall Canyon, where the trail narrows between towering walls of basalt. The echo of my bike tires bouncing off the rock walls made me laugh—it felt like I was the only person in a secret world.
Key Scenic Stops Along the Trail
- Fish Lake (Trail’s End, Cheney, WA 99004): A shimmering lake surrounded by pines. Perfect for a picnic. No entry fee. Kayak rentals available nearby for about \$20/hour if you want to mix cycling with paddling.
- Marshall Canyon: Free to access, a natural corridor of basalt cliffs. Best photos are taken looking back toward the east in the morning when the sunlight floods the canyon.
- Cheney Wetlands: Around mile 7, look for side trails leading into wetlands rich with birdlife.
Costs and Booking Info
No fee for the trail. Parking at trailheads is free. If you want guided rides (which I once tried and loved), REI Spokane (1125 N Monroe St, Spokane, WA 99201) offers spring cycling tours starting around \$60 per person. Bookings can be made on REI.com Experiences page.
Photo Tips
Stop at Fish Lake during golden hour. The still water reflects the sky like glass, and your bike leaned against the dock creates a perfect symmetry shot.
Route 3: Riverside State Park Loop
Where It Begins
Riverside State Park is located at 9711 W Charles Rd, Nine Mile Falls, WA 99026. It’s Washington’s largest state park, spanning over 14,000 acres. The cycling loop I love covers about 15 miles, weaving through pine forests, rocky overlooks, and riverside bluffs.
My Spring Ride Memory
Spring in Riverside feels like stepping into a painting. The pine needles release their scent in the warming sun, deer often wander across the trails, and the Spokane River here is both wild and serene. I started my loop at the Bowl and Pitcher area, famous for its basalt rock formations. The suspension bridge swayed slightly under my steps as I walked my bike across, pausing to look down at the churning river below.
Pedaling through the park, I passed blooming wildflowers and paused at Deep Creek Canyon, a dramatic gorge carved into the basalt. The echo of water against stone was mesmerizing. By the time I returned to my car, my legs ached, but my spirit felt refueled.
Key Scenic Stops Along the Route
- Bowl and Pitcher (4427 N Aubrey L White Pkwy, Spokane, WA 99205): Famous basalt formations. State park entry fee is \$10/vehicle (or free with Discover Pass).
- Deep Creek Canyon: Towering basalt walls and hiking side trails. Free with park entry.
- Nine Mile Dam (11226 W Charles Rd): Historic dam site with interpretive signs and river views.
Costs and Booking Info
Washington State Parks require a Discover Pass (\$10/day or \$30 annual) for vehicle entry. Buy online at discoverpass.wa.gov or at kiosks near trailheads. If you plan to visit multiple parks, the annual pass pays for itself quickly.
Photo Tips
On the suspension bridge at Bowl and Pitcher, hold your camera low to capture the curve of the bridge against the basalt pillars and river below. Sunrise light here is magical.
How I Travel Smarter While Cycling Spokane
Booking Flights and Hotels
Planning my spring rides in Spokane always begins with flights and a place to stay. I’ve had the best luck with Expedia and Priceline for flight-and-hotel bundles. Once, by booking through Expedia, I saved enough to cover a full-day bike rental. For hotels, Booking.com consistently lists downtown spots near the Centennial Trail—perfect for starting rides without needing a car.
Finding Restaurants After Long Rides
Nothing makes me hungrier than cycling 30 miles. For dining reservations, I rely on OpenTable. After a long ride, I’ve booked same-day dinners at Churchill’s Steakhouse and Clinkerdagger this way. Resy works too, but in Spokane, OpenTable has broader coverage.
Tickets and Tours
For park passes and museum entries, I often use GetYourGuide or Viator, which allow me to prebook and skip lines. It’s especially useful when planning a mix of cycling and sightseeing in one day.
The Joy That Stays With Me
Each spring ride in Spokane has etched itself into my memory differently. On the Centennial Trail, I felt part of the city’s heartbeat, pedaling past waterfalls and parks alive with families. On the Fish Lake Trail, I found solitude, surrounded by basalt and birdsong. In Riverside State Park, I touched something wild, pedaling through gorges and over suspension bridges.
I can still feel the cool air of morning rides in my lungs, the grit of trail dust on my calves, the way the Spokane River seems to accompany me everywhere, its voice shifting from roar to murmur. These aren’t just rides—they’re chapters of a story I get to live each spring. And each time I return, I find new corners of Spokane’s landscape waiting to be discovered, one pedal stroke at a time.
