Overview:
Blowdown Lake and Pass present an easy backcountry opportunity with wonderful lakeside camping opportunities, abundant rainbow trout and easy alpine scrambles. While not technically within Stein Valley, this route does provide access to a Stein Valley traverse. It is likely that you will not encounter many people on this hike.
Summary of Route:
- Type: Out and back, alpine lake camping
- Rating: 4/5
- Season: Summer
- Length: One way: 3.5km to lake, additional 1km to pass
- Duration: 1-2 nights
- Difficulty: Easy
Access:
Access to Blowdown Lake and Pass is found approximately 51.5 km’s north east of Pemberton, British Columbia, shortly past Duffey Lake off of highway 99. GPS coordinates for the turnoff are 50.44364, -122.25315, which can be punched into Google Maps. For the most part, follow the FSR in best condition, bearing right at the first intersection where you will see a sign indicating "Duffy Branch 01 Forest Service Road". The entirety of the FSR access is in excellent condition until shortly after the 10km mark and any SUV and most crossovers should be able to travel this far. There is an excellent pullout and parking spot at GPS coordinates 50.37332, -122.20035, approximately 100m after the 10km road marker. The following 400m can be driven by any 4x4 and we have seen Subaru’s complete this portion. While an old FSR does continue the entirety of the way to Blowdown Pass, it is very overgrown, has several difficult obstacles, and has significant exposure for the majority of the route. Accordingly, only those with 4x4 experience should attempt it.
The Hike:
The hike to Blowdown Lake is almost entirely on former logging roads. After having parked your vehicle, you will proceed up the obvious, albeit overgrown, logging road on your left (GPS coordinates 50.37005, -122.19526). This section was quite buggy when we completed this hike in July, 2023.
You will follow this road for approximately 2.3km, whereupon the road will split. Follow the less well maintained road to your right. Within 100m you will begin to see occasional trails to your right. We tried several of these and all seem to disappear after a period of time; however, if you proceed in the direction of the large rock face you will eventually reach Blowdown Lake. Travel in this area is easy as it is largely composed of meadows and small groupings of trees. For any who are concerned with navigating to the lake, we recommend you continue along the road (still bearing right at the intersection) until you can see Blowdown Lake from the road so that you may be able to ensure you are proceeding in the correct direction as the trail dissipates. This occurs after traveling approximately 400m on the road.
Once at Blowdown Lake there are ample camping opportunities in the immediate vicinity of the lake and a steel bear cache found on the west side of the lake. Rainbow trout are present in the lake and were very active even in the middle of a hot summer day when we completed this hike. Mosquitoes were not particularly notable at the lake despite having been swarming on the approach hike.
Should you wish to continue to Blowdown Pass, simply return to the deteriorated road you left to approach Blowdown Lake. This road eventually turns into a single track which goes the entirety of the way to Blowdown Pass. As you travel this portion, views begin to open up behind you and wildflowers abound.
Once at Blowdown Pass, nearby Gott Peak (north west from the pass) and Gotcha Peak (south from the pass) are attainable. Similarly, multi-day excursions within the Stein Valley can be accessed from this point. There are opportunities to camp at the pass; however, water will be dependent upon snow melt.
