Guide to the Northwest’s Top Rails-to-Trails: Centennial, Hiawatha, Coeur d'Alenes, and Olympian
The Pacific Northwest is home to some of the country's most exciting rails-to-trails projects, each of which offers cyclists an unforgettable adventure. These former railway lines have been converted into well-maintained paved or gravel bike paths that facilitate a relaxed cycling experience. Not only do they wind through picturesque scenery but they offer a unique insight into the area’s cultural and natural heritage.
On our North Idaho Rails-to-Trails E-Bike Tour, we explore four of the area’s best trails, spanning Washington, Idaho, and Montana. During this five-day adventure, you'll have the chance to ride along the beautiful Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes and the Centennial Trail, in addition to exploring the Route of the Hiawatha and the Route of the Olympian. With the help of our knowledgeable guides and the option to ride in our van at any point during the trip, this is an experience that’s ideal for all ages and abilities.
In this article, we’ll explore what each of these Northwest rails-to-trails offers and the history behind their creation to help inspire your adventure.
Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes
- Length: 73 miles
- Start point: Mullan
- End point: Plummer
Winding its way through the breathtaking landscapes of the Idaho Panhandle, the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes stretches 73 miles from the mining community of Mullan (near the Montana border) to the prairie town of Plummer (close to the Washington/Idaho state line). This former Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way offers a scenic journey, infused with the fascinating history of the area.
The region was once home to a thriving mining industry and the railway line was constructed to access its riches. But years of silver, lead, and zinc mining left behind a legacy of environmental degradation, with tailings containing heavy metals and contaminated spillage from passing trains. By repurposing the abandoned rail corridor as a trail, the local community has found a way to transform this industrial past into a sustainable and eco-friendly asset.
Following the picturesque Coeur d'Alene River, the trail begins in Plummer, heading east through the chain lakes region and offering stunning views of Lake Coeur d'Alene. Crossing the Chatcolet Bridge, it leads into Heyburn State Park before culminating in a gradual climb to the rolling Palouse prairie. Along the way, you can spot wildlife such as eagles, ospreys, moose, and elk, as well as a diverse array of wildflowers and butterflies that have reclaimed the landscape.
Route of the Hiawatha
- Length: 15 miles
- Start point: Mullan
- End point: Plummer
The Route of the Hiawatha is a rail-to-trail conversion in the Bitterroot Mountains along the Idaho-Montana border. This gentle 15-mile downhill trail was once part of the historic Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul, and Pacific Railroad, also known as the "Milwaukee Road." Completed in 1906 (after years of challenging construction through the rugged terrain), the railroad was designed to transport people and goods between the developing port city of Milwaukee and the Mississippi River.
A highlight of the Route of the Hiawatha is undoubtedly the 1.6-mile St. Paul Pass Tunnel (also known as the Taft Tunnel), which bores directly through the crest of the Bitterroot range. Riding through this dimly lit passage is an unforgettable experience! Also memorable are the high trestle bridges offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Recognized as a "Hall of Fame" trail by the Rail-to-Trail Conservancy, the Route of the Hiawatha is arguably one of the most spectacular rail-trail conversions in the country. Its gentle nature makes it ideal for families and the mountain scenery is nothing short of spectacular. It also provides a wonderful opportunity to connnect with the area's rich railroad heritage along what was once one of the United States’ most magnificent stretches of railway.
Route of the Olympian
- Length: 31 miles
- Start point: St. Regis
- End point: East Portal
Connecting to the Hiawatha Trail, the Route of the Olympian is a 31-mile trail that begins in St. Regis Montana. It also follows a stretch of the old Milwaukee railroad, which operated from 1847 until 1986, connecting the railroad's Wisconsin hub with Washington state. As a passenger service, the railroad prided itself on offering a high level of service and providing the nation with some of its most colorful trains.
The Route of the Olympian represents just one segment of the expansive trans-American trail network, which includes the Iron Horse and John Wayne trails in Washington State, and the Milwaukee Scenic Alternate Route in Idaho. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the first few miles of the trail is reserved exclusively for human-powered activities like hiking and biking, before the arrival of ATVs and snowmobiles in the cooler months.
A highlight of the Route of the Olympian is the awe-inspiring Dominion trestle, which seemingly cuts through the trees and offers wonderful views across Montana. The latter half of the Route of the Olympian is a multi-use trail, welcoming a variety of recreationists as it follows the scenic St. Regis River, which runs parallel to Interstate 90 for much of the route.
Washingon/Idaho Centennial Trail
- Length: 70 miles
- Start point: Nine Mile Falls
- End point: Coeur d'Alene
Connecting the Spokane River Centennial Trail with the North Idaho Centennial Trail, this 69-mile route winds its way through the picturesque landscapes of eastern Washington and northern Idaho.
Beginning in Nine Mile Falls, the Spokane River Centennial Trail is a 37-mile paved trail that passes through several communities, including the cities of Spokane, Spokane Valley, and Liberty Lake. One of the trail's most notable features is its traverse of the Interstate 90 Spokane River Bridge, where it briefly crosses into Kootenai County, Idaho before returning to Washington. Eventually, it connects with the North Idaho Centennial Trail at the state border.
The North Idaho Centennial Trail continues 23 miles through the verdant landscapes of northern Idaho along a ribbon of pavement and crushed gravel. Still following the banks of the Spokane River, it offers magnificent views of the pine-covered hills that rise up on either side. Scenic overlooks afford glimpses of the majestic Lake Coeur d’Alene and there are plenty of rest stops along the way with informative historical signage.
The Centennial Trail was conceived in the wake of the World's Fair and Expo ’74 in Spokane and was planned to celebrate Washington’s centennial in 1989. This led to coordination with neighboring Idaho to extend the trail beyond the state border, a project that was scheduled to commemorate Idaho’s centennial in 1987. Over the course of a decade, the trail was brought to life through a collaborative effort between dedicated public funds and the tireless work of community members.
Railway history, recreation and community
The rails-to-trails of the Northwest are the result of years of dedication by local communities to reclaim historic railway routes and transform them into recreational corridors. Not only do they allow visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Washington, Idaho, and Montana but also connect with the region’s social and industrial heritage. Our North Idaho Rails-to-Trails E-Bike Tour is the perfect way to explore this unique corner of the globe and enjoy being out in the great outdoors.
