Bates State Park

Above Photo: A view from the remaining upper pond at Bates State Park. The lower pond was filled in when the lumber mill was demolished.

We were the only ones in this State Park. We were wondering about the ghosts left behind from this once-thriving lumber mill & town. When they closed down, everything was removed.

Bates State Park - state park, near Praire City, OR: Site #27 (28 RV sites total) - This site has water nearby. Campground Notes: vault toilets • lake/river access • trails from campground • trails nearby • 4125’ elevation. May 6th - 8th. Miles drove: 177.
Pros:
• Quite.
• Well maintained.
• Interpretive signs explaining the area's history.
• Reservations not accepted.
Cons:
• No dump station.

Overall Experience:

"Bates was once a company town supporting a lumber mill. The mill thrived from 1917 through the 1960s. During the mill’s peak production, up to 400 workers and their families lived in company-provided homes. But technology and the times caught up with the mill, and it was replaced in 1975 by a modern sawmill in John Day."

Bates State Park is a state park in Oregon, United States. It is located in the eastern part of the state, in the Blue Mountains, and covers an area of approximately 1,000 acres. The park is named after Alfred Bates, an early settler in the region.

Bates State Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with a variety of recreational activities available. The park features a number of hiking trails, including a section of the Pacific Crest Trail, as well as picnicking areas and a campground. There is also a small museum on the park's history, and a nature center that offers educational programs.

Bates State Park is open year-round, and is a great place to visit for those interested in exploring the natural beauty of the Blue Mountains.

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