Enjoy a rewarding naturalist hiking weekend to explore the rich ecosystems of the Stein River Canyon and nearby Fraser/Thompson valleys. The Stein River canyon offers scenic hiking in rain-shadow valley rich with spring wildflowers, abundant lichens, fungi, many birds and butterflies, mammals and other wildlife, geology and more along a pristine wild river canyon supporting wild salmon and trout. The lower Stein contains world-class archaeology, including 100s of pictographs. Option to explore nearby trails in Thompson and Fraser plateaus and river canyons. Leader will share knowledge of local ethnobotany. For more information on the Stein River Canyon, see Stein Valley Nlaka'pamux Heritage Park and Stein Valley Wilderness Guidebook (Gordon White). Recommended plant guidebooks: Plants of Southern Interior British Columbia and the Inland Northwest (Parish, Coupe, Lloyd), Food Plants of Interior First Peoples (Turner).

MEMBERS ONLY.

Leader will email pre-trip details to registered participants.

For border crossing, one of following required: current passport, WA enhanced drivers license, WA enhanced ID card.

Stein park brochure: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/stein_val/stein_brochure.pdf

Friday afternoon: optional half-day hike, Stein/Skihist or Fountain Vly. Saturday: all day hike in Lower Stein Canyon; Sunday half- to full day hike in Stein/Th... More

MEMBERS ONLY.

Leader will email pre-trip details to registered participants.

For border crossing, one of following required: current passport, WA enhanced drivers license, WA enhanced ID card.

Stein park brochure: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/stein_val/stein_brochure.pdf

Friday afternoon: optional half-day hike, Stein/Skihist or Fountain Vly. Saturday: all day hike in Lower Stein Canyon; Sunday half- to full day hike in Stein/Thompson, Botanie Vly or Skihist. Leader will scout 1 week prior for surveying blooms along several trails. Weekend hikes are not affected by Stein footbridge damage, 6.8 mi from trailhead.

Lower Stein Canyon trail description:
http://www.clubtread.com/routes/Route.aspx?Route=480

For more information, see link:
http://www.travellersvoice.com/articles/article.html?id=28
read sections on "day 5," vegetation, animals, trees, native culture.

Approx drive time to Lytton from Everett: 3-3/4 hrs. Camping recommended Friday & Saturday evening at Skihist Prov Park, Canyon Alpine RV Park/Campground (N side of Boston Bar, 30 min S of Lytton) or Lytton motel.

Skihist Prov Park info:
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/skihist/

Lytton ferry service and normal seasonal river levels are expected. If Fraser River ferry closed (high water) at Lytton, may reschedule to 5/17-18 or early June weekend.

Lytton weather forecast 5/4-5: partly to mostly sunny, 60s-80s
http://www.accuweather.com/en/ca/lytton/v0k/may-weather/52820?monyr=5/1/2013

Leader will have copy of Stein Valley Wilderness Guidebook and plant guidebooks to share with group. These books may be available to purchase online or from Hope (BC) InfoCentre.

Photo sampling of spring blooms:
http://www.ece.ubc.ca/~ianc/Stein_Valley/

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