This wilderness park contains spectacular scenery and outstanding historical, cultural and spiritual values. It protects the entire Stein River watershed, in addition to preserving the First Nation’s history of the area. The Stein Valley Nlaka’pamux Heritage Park is user-maintained, with 150km of hiking trails and routes, cable crossings, a suspension bridge and several wilderness campgrounds.
The park offers limited opportunities for easy day hikes (primarily in the lower valley) and extensive opportunities for multiple night backpacking trips over moderate to difficult terrain. Visitors must be self-sufficient and prepared for all conditions.
The Stein Wardens (Lytton First Nation members) and BC Parks rangers continue to maintain the park and enhance the users’ experiences. Follow their direction and adhere to posted signs.
The following is prohibited in this park:
Park use permit applicants:
The Stein Valley Nlaka’pamux Heritage Park is co-managed via a Stein Management Board between BC Parks and the Lytton First Nation. In order for a Park Use permit application to be considered by BC Parks, the application must be reviewed and agreed upon by the Lytton First Nation prior to submission. If an application is received by BC Parks proof of discussions with the Lytton First Nation will be required as part of the application process.
In the lower and mid valleys, there are 11 developed campgrounds. In the lower valley, visitors must camp only at these sites. In the lower valley, from the trailhead near Lytton to Cottonwood Creek, each campground has a pit toilet and a metal food cache.
In the mid valley from Scudamore Creek to Stein Camp, each campground has a rustic backcountry toilet and a metal food cache.
Large groups (over four) need to contact the Thompson Southern Rivers staff of the BC Parks office in Kamloops during the planning phase for the Stein. Please do not go until you coordinate with the BC Parks staff. This park has a limited carrying capacity (i.e. limited resources in small areas) and we need to minimize negative impacts to the environment and other backcountry campers.
These campgrounds are set up to accommodate larger groups:
Please use the ‘Contact Us’ link on the webpage or call 250-371-6200 to discuss the Stein with the Thompson Southern Rivers staff with BC Parks.
The following table provides recommendations regarding group sizes:
E-W Traverse (Main Trailhead to Tundra Lake) | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
# | Campground | # of Tent Pads | Maximum # of People (for Entire Campground) | Approximate GPS Location | Other Information |
1 | Loop | See ‘Other Information’ | 16 | 50° 16’ 11.82"; -121° 39’ 21.78" | Improved in summer 2017; can accommodate at least 6 (single) tents |
2 | Devil’s Staircase | See ‘Other Information’ | 16 | 50° 15’ 54.48"; -121° 40’ 58.20" | Improved in summer 2017; can accommodate at least 6 (single) tents |
3 | Teepee | See ‘Other Information’ | 16 | 50° 16’ 16.02"; -121° 43’ 46.14" | Improved in summer 2017; can accommodate at least 6 (single) tents |
4 | Earl’s Campground | See ‘Other Information’ | 16 | 50° 16’ 53.04"; -121° 45’ 11.82" | Improved in summer 2017; can accommodate at least 6 (single) tents |
5 | Suspension Bridge | See ‘Other Information’ | 20 (approx.) | 50° 17’ 25.92"; -121° 46’ 54.24" | Improved in 2016/2017 – largest campground in the park; please stay in open areas of campground |
6 | Lean-To | 3 | 8 | 50° 18’ 20.88"; -121° 49’ 30.00" | Improved in 2016 |
7 | Ponderosa | 3 | 8 | 50° 18’ 39.18"; -121° 52’ 12.12" | Improved in 2016 |
8 | Cottonwood | 3 | 12 | 50° 18’ 21.60"; --121° 57’ 32.40" | Improved in 2016 |
9 | Logjam | 3 | 8 | 50° 15’ 54.00"; -122° 0’ 34.26" | Improved in 2016 |
10 | Avalanche | 3 | 8 | 50° 12’34.18"; -122° 4’38.94 | Improved in 2016 |
11 | Stein Lake | 3 | 8 | 50° 10’ 1.92"; -122° 10’ 4.8" | Improved in 2016 |
12 | Puppet | 2 | 6 | 50° 9’ 52.57"; -122° 13’ 1.87" | New campground as of 2016 |
13 | Tundra | 3 | 8 | 50° 9’ 12.28"; -122° 15’ 22.09 | Moved to this location as of 2016 |
Due to the low snow levels in the Lytton area, there is opportunity for visitors to camp in the lower valley during the winter.
In the parking area at the trailhead, there are three picnic tables and one pit toilet that is user maintained. There is also a large information shelter depicting the history, landforms and flora and fauna of the park.
Each campground from the trailhead to Stein Camp has a user maintained pit or backcountry toilet. There is one pit toilet at the trailhead in the parking area. Visitors should bring their own toilet paper.
When in the backcountry, please exercise proper backcountry sanitation procedures when no facilities are available. Deposit human waste in cat holes. Cat holes are 6 to 8 inches deep and should be located at least 100 feet from any water source. Thoroughly cover and disguise cat holes when finished. Bury toilet paper as well. Do not burn it.
The Stein Valley offers a wide variety of hiking opportunities. Visit our Stein Valley hiking page for more details. Sections of the trails may be hiking closed due to natural hazards of wildlife, weather, and trail conditions.
The Stein River is not suitable for canoeing due to its inaccessibility. The section of river below the suspension bridge is navigable by kayaks but is classified as grade V water and should only be attempted by expert kayakers.
The section of river below the suspension bridge is navigable by kayaks but is classified as grade V water and should only be attempted by expert kayakers. The Stein River is not suitable for canoeing due to its inaccessibility.
There is salmon fishing in the Stein River. Stein Lake has been stocked in the past. The river and lakes are not known for good fishing. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to the potential for problems with bears and other wildlife.
Hunting is permitted only during lawful game hunting season. Check with Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis for regulations.
The park lies west of Lytton and approximately 185km southwest of Kamloops or 290km northeast of Vancouver, both via the #1 Highway.
The main trailhead is located on the west side of the Fraser River by Lytton, accessed by crossing the Lytton Ferry. The ferry is usually closed for periods from late May to early July because of high water. Check the Drive BC website before heading out. After disembarking from the ferry, follow the road to the right for 4.8km to the junction with the Stein Valley Road (marked). Turn left and follow it to the parking lot.
The park boundary follows the watershed boundary for approximately 195km along a continuous line of summits and ridges.
Alternative access to the main Stein Valley trailhead is available via the Westside Road south from Lillooet, on the west side of the Fraser River. This is a slow two to three hour drive on a rough dirt road. There is also a pedestrian walkway along the CN railway bridge that crosses the Fraser River south of Lytton. The trailhead is roughly 8km north from the west end of the bridge. Other trailheads for accessing the park are located at Lizzie Lake, Blowdown Pass and Texas Creek.
Trail Updates and Access Conditions [PDF] (November 2019 to April 2020)
Road condition enquiries
VSA Highway Maintenance Ltd.
1-888-315-0025 or 1-250-315-0166
Fax: 1-250-315-0169
History
The park was established on November 22, 1995, following a 25 year debate over development versus protection. The name comes from the Nlaka’pamux word “Stagyn,” which means “hidden place,” referring to the fact that the valley and the extent of the watershed is not very noticeable from the Stein River’s mouth on the Fraser River. The valley has been extremely important to the Nlaka’pamux people for thousands of years, both spiritually and for sustenance. Since the establishment of the park, the Stein is managed via the Stein Valley Co-Operative Management Agreement between the Lytton First Nation and the province of BC, on the Stein Management Board. The function of the Management Board is to oversee and provide management direction for all initiatives and undertakings related to the planning, operation and management of the park. This arrangement also provides the park with two seasonal full-time Wardens who assist both the users of the park as well as maintaining values within the park particularly in the lower Stein.
Conservation
The Stein Valley straddles the transition from the dry interior to the wetter Coastal Mountains. This, combined with the large elevational gradient, has resulted in very diverse vegetation communities within the park. Dry ponderosa pine forests characterize the lower valley compared to Douglas fir in the mid-valley. Hemlock, spruce and fir become predominant in the western end of the valley. Patches of cedar exist throughout the valley, even at the eastern end in moist, cool locations along creeks such as Stryen and Teaspoon. Floodplain forests along the river are dominated by black cottonwood mixed with aspen and birch. Higher elevations are noted for stands of Engelmann spruce, subalpine fir, white bark pine and alpine tundra. Spectacular flower blooms occur in the spring and summer, particularly at higher elevations.
The Stein Valley was heavily glaciated and is dominated by glacial landforms. All of the main valleys except the lower canyon have the characteristic U-shape of glacial eroded troughs, and many of the tributaries to the Stein River exhibit “hanging” valleys. The upper reaches of the watershed are dotted with a large number of small mountain lakes (tarns), many of which occupy cirques.
The Stein River has two extensive canyon sections, one at the east end of the valley and one at the west end. The park has a wide range of elevations, from about 220 metres above sea level at the eastern end to 2954 metres at the summit of Skihist Mountain. There are about a dozen other peaks along the boundary that are over 2,438 metres. Some of the key elevations in and around the park are:
Preliminary efforts are underway to monitor glaciers within the Stein Valley Heritage Park. Learn about glaciers and glacier research.
The main Stein River, from Stein Lake to the Fraser River, is about 60 kilometres long and drops about 800 metres over that distance. River levels are highest in June and July, and also change significantly in short periods of time due to heavy rainfalls or high temperatures in the western end of the valley. The river contains several falls, with the two largest being about six to eight metres high.
There are several other waterfalls in the park, including Cottonwood Falls, at 15 metres in height and Elton Falls which drops 60 metres and has a cascade totalling more than 300 metres. Generally speaking, the tributaries on the south side of the river are glacially fed, while those on the north side drain large expanses of meadows.
The park contains larger lakes (Stein, Elton and Tundra), as well as many small lakes. Tundra and Elton are headwater lakes which are only ice-free from July through October. Elton, with its glacier flowing into the west end of the lake and its spectacular cobalt blue colour, is one of the gems of the park.
Wildlife
Due to its size and relative lack of disturbance, the park contains populations of many species of wildlife that indicate its relative health as wilderness. It is thought to contain over 50 species of mammals, including mountain goat, cougar, wolverine, black bear and grizzly bear. Bird species include golden eagles, sharp shinned hawks, barred owls, pigmy owls, white-tailed ptarmigan, pileated woodpeckers and rufous hummingbirds, as well as several species of chickadees, warblers and nuthatches. The Stein River contains Dolly Varden char, rainbow trout and Rocky Mountain whitefish, as well as steelhead trout, coho, pink and chinook salmon that return to the river at certain times of the year to spawn.
BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.