Bates State Park

Bates State Park was once the site of a thriving lumber mill and an adjacent company town set in a lush valley in the Blue Mountains. The mill closed in the mid-1970s.

Families--and in some instances their houses--moved to nearby Prairie City and John Day. The mill buildings and town were dismantled; the land sat empty for more than 35 years.

When you visit or stay at the park, look for the interpretive panels that describe Bates life in the early to mid 20th century and the steps taking place now to restore the land and waterways.

You can explore Bates on the more than three miles of hiking trails. Viewpoints along the trails overlook the park, old mill pond and valley.

The 131-acre park lies along the Middle Fork John Day River, Bridge Creek and Clear Creek. Check the Oregon Department Fish & Wildlife website for fishing regulations.

OPRD purchased the property from Grant County for $407,000 in April 2008, using lottery fund dollars. The park is the site of a former lumber mill (Bates Mill), which operated from 1917 to 1975.