[3][4] The Stein River and the surrounding watershed contain a variety of flora and fauna and have great cultural significance for the Lytton First Nations people.

[2] Stein Valley has been a sacred place and a significant source of sustenance for the Nlaka’pamux community for thousands of years.

[2] The first issues between indigenous and non-indigenous people over public and government use of Stein Valley began as early as 1858, in the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush.

[7] However, the conflicts that led to the park's incorporation happened in the late 20th century, when the government of British Columbia intended to log the valley, but faced opposition from both Nlakaʼpamux people and environmental activists.

[7] Indigenous communities and environmental activists protested this, some environmentalists arguing that the valley was the last untouched watershed in the southern Coast Mountains.

[citation needed] Eventually, with the help of a local Fish and Wildlife officer, conservationists Chris Adam and Roy Mason negotiated a 2-year postponement.[when?]

[5] However, after years of debate, amid strong public support, and after an annual music festival raising awareness, the provincial government decided to protect it as a park on July 12, 1995,[2] and the Stein Valley remains unlogged today.

[2] Higher elevations within the park include stands of subalpine fir, whitebark pine, Engelmann spruce, and alpine tundra.

[2] The Lower Stein Valley, from the Lytton trailhead to the Suspension Bridge Camp, has become popular for school outdoor education groups.