We drove down to Lytton, crossed the Fraser River on the reaction ferry, then drive up the Spencer Road South Road on the west side of the river to the Stein River Road and parked at the trailhead parking area.   We hiked up the Stein Valley Trail for about 10.5 km where we had lunch on the rocky banks of the river before returning the way we came.   This makes a long day, but it is a fine longer hike in spring.   We have backpacked the trail too, but it can be hiked in and out, with 4 hours of driving on top of 5.5 hours of hiking .

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The first section of the trail crosses Stryen Creek then winds around Asking Rock offering some easy hiking close to the river.

 

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The route is at the bottom of a steep-sided valley so most of the views are of the river itself.

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The next section of the trail climbs above the river over a series of rock slide zones in an area called The Devil’s Staircase before coming back down to a wet area near the river.

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Along the way were a number of spring wildflowers.

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We found three areas of pictographs and spent some time enjoying the rock art near the river (link to more images).

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The advantage of backpacking in  is that we can camp at one of the pleasant camping areas next to the river.   There are some good choices for campsites (Devil’s Staircase and Earl’s Cabin) and some less appealing choices in mosquito season, but on the whole, a backpack into the Stein from the east end is a fine shoulder season choice.

 

More information:

• Stein River Trail