'Cheers' to the North Idaho Centennial Trail

The North Idaho Centennial Trail is popular.

Want proof? 

It's estimated that about 800,000 people will use it this year, and its annual economic impact is pegged at more than $3 million.  

It’s been visited by three presidents and was the subject of a Doug Eastwood book, “The North Idaho Centennial Trail: The Trail That Almost Wasn’t.” 

In 2023, its name was put in lights on the North Idaho Centennial Bridge. 

But there's more.

Now, it even has a beer named after it, Centennial Trail Pale Ale, at Vantage Point Brewing Company. 

“Cheers,” said Kevan McCrummen, an owner of the brewery that hosted the North Idaho Centennial Trail Foundation’s annual meeting attended by about 100 people.

The meeting was a chance to highlight history and impact of the trail that stretches from Higgens Point east of Coeur d’Alene all the way to the Idaho/Washington state line. 

After a rocky start that saw many opposed to its construction, the 35-year-old trail that cost $5 million in 1990 is beloved today and more popular than ever, described as "23 miles of adventure."

“I think it’s one of the most valuable things we have in North Idaho,” said Tabitha Bonner, executive director. 

Everyone there agreed. 

It is used year-round by walkers, runners, cyclists and skateboarders. It offers views of Lake Coeur d’Alene and the Spokane River. It passes through parks, neighborhoods, next to a college, a waterfront resort and even million-dollar homes. 

Foundation members earned the praise of Coeur d’Alene Mayor Woody McEvers. 

“I appreciate what you do,” he told the group. “I’m going to learn to ride a bike here real soon.” 

McEvers had a little fun at the expense of the mostly older audience. 

“I remember when you guys were young and the trail was, too,” he said, laughing.  

The 700-member foundation has three primary annual fundraisers: The Coeur d'Alene Marathon in May, Ales for the Trail in August and Coeur d'Fondo, which will return in September after being canceled last year. 

"It's back, we're excited," Bonner said.

Memberships, sponsorships, partnerships and donations also support the foundation. 

The trail is overall sound but for a several-mile stretch near the state line that is in rough shape. The foundation is hoping for land grants to make improvements. 

Architect Jon Mueller, a board member, said they are working on partnerships to record tales of the trail, which he said is “rich in history and we don’t want to lose any of that.” 

“Along this trail there are many places to talk about,” he said. 

It’s looking forward to connectivity and safety improvements at the Highway 41 and Interstate 90 interchange in Post Falls. Another goal is a paved path along Highway 41 that would connect to the Prairie Trail and then back to the Centennial Trail. 

This year, Bonner said they want to focus on getting their voice into the community because most new arrivals aren’t aware of the nonprofit foundation, which “assists with maintenance and capital improvement of the Centennial Trail, as well as supports the development of new trails in Kootenai County." 

Safety on the trail, particularly with the rising use of e-bikes that operators tend to take beyond the 15 mph speed limit, will be another priority, said Bonner, foundation director since 2019.

Evalyn Adams, who was instrumental in landing more than $1 million in federal funding for the trail more than three decades ago, can see it from her home near Lake Coeur d'Alene. She loves watching people walk, run and bike on it to this day.

"It makes my heart feel so good," Adams said.

    A runner makes their way on the North Idaho Centennial Lake next to Coeur d'Alene Lake Drive by the Silver Beach Marina on Thursday afternoon.