Stein Valley Nlaka'pamux Heritage Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stein Valley Nlaka'pamux Heritage Park |
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IUCN Category Ib (Wilderness Area)
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View from Gott Peak
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 Stein Valley Nlaka'pamux Heritage Park
Location in British Columbia
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| Location | Thompson-Nicola, British Columbia, Canada |
| Nearest city | Lytton |
| Area | 107,191 ha (413.87 sq mi) |
| Designation | Class A Provincial Park |
| Established | July 12, 1995 |
| Governing body | BC Parks & Lytton First Nation |
Stein Valley Nlaka'pamux Heritage Park is a special provincial park located in British Columbia, Canada. It was created on November 22, 1995. The park was set up by BC Parks and the Lytton First Nation. Its main goal is to protect the amazing nature and important culture of the Stein River valley.
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What's in a Name?
The name "Stein" comes from the Nlaka'pamux language. The Nlaka'pamux word is "stagyn." This word means "hidden place." This land is very important to the First Nations people living nearby. It is a special spiritual place for them.
A Park's Journey: How It Was Protected
In the 1980s, there was a plan to cut down trees in the Stein Valley. Many people who cared about nature protested this idea. They said it was the last untouched river area in the southern Coast Mountains.
In 1988, a company called Fletcher Challenge stopped their logging plans for the Stein. People showed a lot of support for protecting the valley. There was even an annual music festival that helped spread the word. Finally, on July 12, 1995, the Stein Valley became a protected park.
In June 2017, the park decided to pause kayaking and rafting. This was to check how these activities might affect the park's natural balance over time. At the same time, campfires were no longer allowed in the park at any time of year.
In 2018, the park was added to a special list by UNESCO. This means it is being considered as a World Heritage Site.
Exploring the Park's Geography
The park protects the entire Stein River area. This includes all the land where water flows into the river. The Stein River starts in the eastern Pacific Ranges and flows down to the Fraser River.
Amazing Animals of Stein Valley
The park is home to over 50 different kinds of mammals. These include mountain goats, cougars, wolverines, black bears, and grizzly bears.
Many birds also live here. You might see golden eagles, sharp shinned hawks, and different kinds of owls. There are also white-tailed ptarmigan, pileated woodpeckers, and rufous hummingbirds. Many chickadees, warblers, and nuthatches also call the park home.
The Stein River is full of fish. It has Dolly Varden char, rainbow trout, and Rocky Mountain whitefish. You can also find steelhead trout, coho, pink, and Chinook salmon here.
Ancient Art and Culture
The park has many pictographs. These are ancient drawings on rocks. Some are easy to see. Others you have to search for. Some are even secret, known only to the local people.
Fun Things to Do in the Park
This park has 150 kilometers of trails for backpacking. There are also many places to camp in the wilderness. You will find four cable crossings and a suspension bridge over the river. The lower part of the Stein Valley is very popular. Many school groups come here for outdoor education trips.
