Extending from Higgens Point on the northeast side of Lake Coeur d'Alene, a popular place for bald eagle watchers in early winter, the trail follows the lake's north shoreline to the Spokane River where it follows it to the Idaho/Washington border.

Following the World's Fair and Expo '74 in Spokane, Washington, the Washington state Parks and Recreation Commission started planning a trail along the Spokane River to celebrate their state's centennial in 1989.

In 2002 local artist David Clemons designed and installed two statues to sit at either end of the trail.

"Leopold", an 1890 photographer, sits at Higgens Point and "Kate", a turn of the 20th century bicyclist sat at the state border.

Clemons' concept was to capture individuals 100 years ago enjoying the same activities on the trail as they do today.