The summit of Stoyama Mountain is an elusive hike.    It stands as the most northern (significant) peak in the North Cascades, located in a backcountry area between the Coquihalla and Highway 1 (the Fraser Canyon).    There are a number of backroads to the area, but the main access is from Highway 8 (Merritt to Spences Bridge), then a turn south onto the Petit/Spius Creek Forest Service Road.    After a long, bumpy drive past a number of junctions, take the turn onto the Cabin Lake Road.    The road is reasonable for a while, but soon turns into a very rough (4WD) access road.   Driving all the way to Cabin Lake can be traumatic so hikers may wish to park farther back (note the P on the map) and hike the 3.5 km to Cabin Lake.

There is a small Recreation Site on the north side of Cabin Lake.   There is a trail around the lake that continues into Heather Meadows.   A water bomber crashed on the slopes above, visible for any hikers who choose that route.

There is a rough trail that climbs to the top of the ridge providing access to the ridge and alpine route to the summit.   There are some rocky areas that may need some light scrambling, but for the most part,  it is a reasonable route for experienced backcountry hikers, although navigation will be required.   From Cabin Lake to the summit and back is about 8 km.

This was done as a solo adventure with a number of challenges encountered.    The road was in poor shape.    I fell and injured my knee, then hobbled out.    It was a long day in remote backcountry, on a route that was a once-only summit hike..

If you choose to do Stoyama, check to make sure all the roads and bridge are passable.    Hike with someone else who has backcountry experience and be prepared (Adventure Smart).     This is a hike for “peak-baggers”, not for most recreational hikers.