Bates State Park is located in Eastern Oregon and offers visitors a chance to explore the beauty of the area's natural landscapes. The park is situated along the Middle Fork of the John Day River and is surrounded by ponderosa pines and other native plants.

There are several good reasons to visit Bates State Park, including the chance to go hiking, fishing, and camping. The park also features a historic sawmill that is open for tours, providing visitors with an opportunity to learn about the area's logging history.

One of the main points of interest in Bates State Park is the sawmill itself. The mill was built in the 1920s and was in operation until the 1970s. It has since been restored and visitors can see the original equipment used to process logs into lumber.

Additionally, the park offers several hiking trails that wind through the forest and along the river. One of the most popular trails is the Old Mill Trail, which follows the Middle Fork of the John Day River and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Interesting facts about the area include that Bates State Park was once a bustling logging town, and the mill was one of the largest in the region. The town was abandoned in the 1970s, but the mill was restored in the 1990s and is now a popular attraction for visitors.

The best time of year to visit Bates State Park is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. However, visitors can also enjoy the fall foliage and winter activities such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.