May Trip in BC

“Here's a revised version of the original post, from last year. I'll post it to the new Trips page, as well

Okay, here's a Spring TT trip, for ya, BC style!

Well... it's not exactly the wild, rainforested coast, or the premier, scenic grandeur, of BC's moutain ranges, but it is an opportunity to spend five days in a unique and pristine, protected wilderness, following the Stein River. From the trailhead at Lytton, in the desert like Fraser Canyon, the trail heads westward along and above the Stein River's rapid course, through the lower canyon.

On the second day, we take a cable car crossingnow a bridge, to the north bank, and the canyon widens out, to a lush, glacialy carved valley.

The third day is a day trip, further west, to the intersection of Cottonwood Creek. The waterfalls and views, here alone, are worth the trip.

Days 4 & 5 are the return trip. A full traverse is possible, but it takes 8 to 10 days and avalanche danger will be high, in the Coast Mtns.

The planned dates are May 11 or 12 to meet, at the trailhead, and May 16 to be back at the vehicles (before the Cdn holiday weekend). This is a trip for all ages and abilities. Random camping allows you to do as much distance as you like, each day. The planned days are a moderate 10km to 12km each, which allows faster hikers plenty of time, to relax or explore. This area is rich in ecology, wildlife and native history.

The best part, about the Stein trip, is that it's logistics are simple..... Two hours drive, from the US border, or Vancouver Airport.... just show up and hike! There are no fees, permits, quotas or designated campsites. Also, we may very well be nearly the only ones in there. I have done this trip twice, in May, and it's the best time to go, for weather (I've not had more than a drop of rain, in here), crowds (count them on one hand) and wildlife (deer, black bears and more).

Have a look at 2002's July Trip Report and Pics (unless you'd rather be surprised) I also have maps and a trail description available, by email.

Of course, this trip is open to all TTers, but if you need to fly across the continent, you may prefer an August trip, in the Rockies. Feel free to email me at Hodgeman@telus.net..... Hodgeman of BC”

“I will try, I was bummed about missing the last walk you led up this trail.. Put me down as a maybe and I'll lobby hard for time off from work.”

“Hey Strider - I was hoping you'd pop up, for this one. I was planning to round up a few of your neighbours, down there. You know.... the usual suspects.

We didn't quite get this trip off the ground, last May. I guess not many people take vacation weeks, that time of year. But, the weather is great in there, and it's the best time to go.”

“That sounds like a cool trip, Hodge. I would love to come up, but I give myself a 2% chance of being able to make it. The only chance is that my wife will sometimes take a week in the spring to go visit her family, and since it's a little pricey for all of us to go, I usually stay home. If she went (like she did last year at that time) and took Cameron, I could possibly swing up there (depending on how cheap flights to Vancouver are then). But, like I said, I'd give it about a 2% chance.... :-(”

“The more the merrier, on this one Marty. Lots of room to spread out, and maybe the whole canyon to ourselves”