Stein River Trail

May 8,2025 -- Stein Valley Nlaka'pamux Heritage Park

Stats: 28.4 km / 837m gain / 580m high point / 7:45 hours MT

The aftermath of the June 2021 fire that destroyed the town of Lytton, is still evident in the forest there today. This spiritual trail led us past the Asking Rock, memorial tree, pictographs, Earl's cabin and ended at the Suspension Bridge after crossing over two rushing streams that flowed into the raging Stein River.

This is about the 5th time I've hiked this trail. I always end up with sore feet afterwards. What makes this route more challenging is the distance of almost 30 km!

We did not have to wait for this two-car ferry which is unusual. This is a reaction ferry which is propelled by the current of the Fraser River.

The trail led through the valley to the left, always following close along the left side of the Stein River.

The symbols on the trail markers replicated one of the pictographs along the trail.

Indian Paintbrush.

On previous hikes I was excited to spot a few Arnicas in the bush. Never before have I seen so many!

The Stryen Creek foot bridge.

The Asking Rock is a place of historical and spiritual significance to the Nlaka'pamux people. When they pass by, they stop and say a prayer here before continuing their journey. Visitors are welcomed to pray here, according to their own faith.

Water Avens

The only steep part of the trail is the Devil's Staircase.

5-pic slider of pictographs.

Bamboo.

Some larger trees survived the 2021 fire.

A dragon?

Arnica False Solomon's Seal

Wolf's Milk Slime Mold Penstemons

3-pic slider of Earl's Cabin. It has collapsed since last time I'd been there. Earl's is the 4rth of 5 campsites along this route: Loop, Devil's, Teepee, Earl's + Suspension Bridge campsites.

Past Earl's cabin the trail became less distinct and a bit overgrown. My GPS came in handy.

There were numerous small sink holes that showed evidence of the fire being in the ground.

The suspension bridge is badly damaged by this fallen boulder on the far end. There's also no longer a trail, just a steep slope above the river.

Wooly Yarrow Saxifrage

Ahhh!!! That was cold. But it felt so good afterwards, bringing down the swelling in our sore feet.

This open gravel clearing was a helicopter landing site.

Ponderosa Pines.

Having started at 8:45am, we were back by 5:30pm. We'd brought dinner food along and ate it on the other side of the ferry at a viewpoint in Lytton (there's no nearby restaurants). It was good to see reconstruction happening there. The old church survived the fire.