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EDITORIAL: Recognize the Centennial Trail for the asset it is

| January 29, 2025 1:00 AM

The North Idaho Centennial Trail is not exactly what you would call a hidden gem. It is, after all, right there for all to see and use, a paved pathway that runs for 23 miles from Higgens Point east of Coeur d’Alene to the Idaho/Washington border.  

Yet, many don’t know of its history, uses, impact and potential. 

Despite being used by hundreds of thousands of people each year, despite having an annual economic impact of about $3 million, despite offering views of Lake Coeur d’Alene and the Spokane River, and despite passing through parks, neighborhoods and even a waterfront resort, the trail does not have the recognition, or the funding, it deserves. 

We believe that should change. 

The nonprofit North Idaho Centennial Trail Foundation does a wonderful job of managing the 35-year-old trail. It maintains it via things like sealcoating, plans improvements and connections to other trails and raises money through grants, memberships, sponsorships and events like the Coeur d’Alene Marathon and Ales for the Trail. Executive Director Tabitha Bonner and a dedicated board are to be commended for their efforts.  

At the organization’s recent annual meeting, Bonner said they hope to share the story of the trail with many new arrivals who don’t know about it. 

Allow us to help. 

We recommend reading Doug Eastwood's book, “The North Idaho Centennial Trail: The Trail That Almost Wasn’t.” In it, he details the many obstacles, including protests, petitions and lawsuits, that were overcome to make the trail a reality.  

Then, the general thought was such a trail, first proposed in 1987, would be bad business for home values, parks and pretty much everything because it would attract the wrong kind of people. Citizens were fearful of what it might bring to their community. 

But in 1990, through the efforts and determination of a few visionaries, the trail was dedicated and the ground was broken. 

And as for all those fears, it turned out to be the opposite. It is an asset like no other. The Centennial Trail is prized year-round among cyclists, dog walkers and runners. To walk on it near Higgens Point in the winter and watch bald eagles soar above trees and Lake Coeur d’Alene is magical. Summer strolls while viewing a spectacular sunset are available in our backyard, thanks to the North Idaho Centennial Trail. We love knowing we can bike from Coeur d'Alene to Post Falls and for the most part steer clear of traffic.

We encourage people to consider a membership to the NICTF, which is $60 for individuals, $150 for families and $500 for corporations. Sure, you can use the trail for free whenever you want, but financial support to ensure its health is a wise investment — for ourselves and our communities. Let's not take it for granted. Let's treat it like the treasure it is.

And, by the way, Eastwood hasn’t made a nickel from books sales. Every penny of profit has gone to the foundation.