Trip Report
Backpack - Stein River Canyon & Stein Valley
Out and back backpack including hike up valley from camp.
Linda Moore
- Tue, Oct 14, 2025 — Wed, Oct 15, 2025
- Backpack - Stein River Canyon & Stein Valley
- Stein River Canyon & Stein Valley
- Backpacking
- Successful
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- Road suitable for all vehicles
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Trails well maintained along Lower Stein river whitewater canyon to trail damage closure/hazards (from two fires/slides during past 4 years) after Earl's Cabin camp. Suspension bridge crossing over Stein River beyond Earl's cabin is damaged by large fallen boulder and trail blocked by large slide on far side of bridge (hoping for restored access/reroute) many more miles into Middle Stein or full to partial Stein traverse over high Stein Divide or via Blowdown Pass. Backcountry camps are maintained in Lower Stein, with space for 4-6 tents, near water, bearproof food storage and pit toilets.
Check BCDrive for current Lytton Ferry operating schedule for crossing Fraser River near Lytton and any temporary ferry closures due to maintenance or Fraser River level issues. Two vehicle ferry crossing is free on-demand service 24 hours, and approx 3 minutes to cross.
Trip postponed twice due to Lytton ferry closures during May due to high Fraser River flow and in early October due to an extended maintenance closure.
Paved road to Lytton Ferry and good gravel 2WD road to trailhead. Trailhead parking for 10+ vehicles. Be sure to check out the trailhead kiosk displays with interesting information to appreciate significance of Stein Valley, and its aboriginal spiritual and natural history.
No backcountry fees, permits or reservations required. Early fall weather conditions were pleasant with no precip, mild day temps, frost/ice first morning, and near freezing night.
Between Lower Stein trailhead and Loop camp, soon after Stryen Creek bridge, we stopped briefly to enjoy the pictographs and some reflective time at "The Asking Rock." We camped at Devil's Staircase camp (just before ascent over above talus slope). Day hiked beyond camp and hiked side trail (approx 2 miles from camp) to large rockwall with extensive old pictographs. Very few weekday visitors encountered - one small backpack group and a solo hiker.
Clear night sky filled with stars. The whitewater stream sounds were pleasant and ever present. Fall colors were subtle to golden hues of shrubs and cottonwoods. Fungi and extensive lichens were present along and above the trail. Small to old-growth conifers embraced the river canyon, with a few red cedars along side creeks. Memorial plaques on old ponderosas were seen in a trailside tribute to local first nation people advocates for the Stein Valley's protection.
Another day would have allowed further exploration up valley or off trail, but our schedules did not accommodate.
Spring backpack (May to early/mid-June) is recommended for longer days and wildflowers in Lower Stein Valley. Higher elevation more challenging backpacking from Blowdown Pass (north access) or western trailhead (near Mt Currie) over Stein Divide is recommended if trail conditions/access allow from mid-summer to early September.
