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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Centennial Trail Bike Tour (Nine Mile To Bowl & Pitcher Overlook)

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Distance: 13 miles round trip

Difficulty: Easy

Riding time: 1 - 2 hours

Season: March through Nov.

Maps: Spokane River Centennial Trail

Info: Friends of Centennial Trail, 624-7188

BIKE TOURING TRIP NOTES

Access: To west trailhead: From the corner of Francis and Monroe in northwest Spokane, head west on Francis, which eventually becomes Nine Mile Road. Continue past junction with Seven Mile Road 4 miles and turn left (west) onto Charles Road. Cross Spokane River just below Nine Mile Dam and bear left onto Carlson Road. Drive 1/3 mile to trailhead parking area.

To east trailhead: From junction with Fort George Wright Drive, head north on Government Way 1-1/2 miles and turn right onto Aubrey White Parkway at entrance to Riverside State Park. Continue past equestrian area and up short hill to trailhead parking.

Attractions: Route follows old Riverside State Park roadway that’s been closed to motorized vehicles for inclusion as part of Spokane River Centennial Trail. Route crosses Deep Creek picnic area and ends at overlook of Bowl and Pitcher rapids and campground. One of Centennial Trail’s least-used sections. Area rich with native plants of Ponderosa pine forest. Feast of blooming yellow arrowleaf balsamroot begins in April and continues with and other flowering plants and shrubs into June. Good chance of seeing osprey or even bald eagles in Deep Creek area.

Comments: From Carlson Road trailhead, route begins by skirting flatwater backed up behind Nine Mile Dam. Ride about 1/2 mile to Deep Creek Bridge and picnic area at Centennial Trail mile 36. (Note: Centennial Trail mileage markers refer to distance from Idaho-Washington border, where mileage is 0. Trail officially ends at Sontag Park at mile 37-1/4 near Nine Mile School.) Deep Creek area includes excellent hiking opportunity on dirt path heading upstream into pines, cottonwoods and cliffs.

From Deep Creek, Centennial Trail continues southeast. Eventually riders will pass foundations and rock fireplaces of abandoned camp for Civilian Conservation Corps. In late 1930s, CCC built most of the original state park facilities, including trails, bridges and buildings.

From access area between Trail miles 34-35, bikers share road with vehicles for about 1 mile. Ride to junction with Seven Mile Road. Turn left on Seven Mile Road, then bear right onto Aubrey White Parkway. Ride nearly 1/2 mile to parking area and gate, which once again blocks vehicle traffic.

Biggest hills are in this section of route to Bowl and Pitcher overlook trailhead. Watch for gated road heading to left (east) between Trail miles 30-31. This leads to Bowl and Pitcher area and suspension bridge across Spokane River.

Turnaround for this route is Bowl and Pitcher overlook parking area is at top of biggest uphill on route. Which means it will be longest downhill on way back to Carlson Road trailhead.

Like most urban trails, rules help maintain peace. Laws prohibit alcoholic beverages, require pets to be on leash, limit speed to 15 mph, give pedestrians right of way. Courtesies include keeping right except to pass, signaling slower-moving trail users when approaching from rear, checking speed on the several steep hills.

Some hiking and mountain biking trails take off from paved centennial trail. Generally, however, stay on trail to avoid disturbing plants, animals. Trail hours: dawn to dusk.

Experience suggests taking more than one water bottle, especially in summer; never leave valuables in parked vehicle at trailheads.

Contribute money or volunteer work to trail through Friends of Centennial Trail, P.O. Box 351, Spokane 99910-0351. To reach state parks ranger in charge of trail, call 456-2729.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Map: Centennial Trail Bike Tour (Nine Mile to Bowl & Pitcher overlook)

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