Baker County Parks

06/24/2026

Wigwam Burner Stargazing July 3, 8:30-1030pm

06/20/2026

Thank you Baker County Sheriff's Office and Oregon State Police for keeping our campers and boaters safe!

06/16/2026

Thank you, Dan Mitchell for being an excellent boat captain and using your boat to take us out to the floating restroom inspection. It was a beautiful day on the water.

06/16/2026

Why is it dangerous to jump into cold water on a hot day?

Muscle cramping. No matter your age, swimming ability, or other labels. Cold water temperatures impact everyone the same way. The question becomes "when," not "if," the muscles in your arms and legs begin to cramp.

Muscle cramps are sudden, painful, INVOLUNTARY CONTRACTIONS of a muscle. They are most frequently caused by DEHYDRATION, electrolyte imbalances (like low potassium or magnesium), muscle fatigue from overexertion, or restricted blood flow.

The primary triggers and root causes include:
*Dehydration & Electrolytes: Losing vital fluids through sweat or not drinking enough water causes mineral imbalances. Low levels of potassium, calcium, sodium, and magnesium prevent your muscles from fully relaxing, which leads to cramping.

*Fatigue & Shivering: As your core temperature drops, the body shivers to generate heat, which tires out muscles and makes them more prone to locking up. Another fun fact is that the body will want to excrete urine to conserve energy in the body's core.

*Muscle Overuse & Fatigue:
Straining a muscle that is unconditioned or overworking it during intense or prolonged exercise can trigger cramps.

*Nerve Compression:
Pinched nerves in your back, neck, or spinal cord can cause radiating pain and involuntary muscle contractions.

*Blood Circulation: Reduced blood flow to the limbs makes muscles highly susceptible to cramping. This happens with prolonged and intermittent exposure in cold water when the body pulls blood from the limbs and redirects blood flow to the body's core to protect the organs.

BOTTOM LINE:
Cold water can be fun and refreshing on a blistering hot day. Take frequent breaks, drink plenty of water (vitamin water is even better!), and most importantly...WEAR A LIFE JACKET.

Learn more about why drowning is quiet and undramatic, and what to LOOK FOR when someone needs immediate help (link in the comments).

06/16/2026

Thank you Connie Sullivan for joining us in a boat ride tour on the Snake River after the floating restroom inspection. We appreciate your interest in helping to make the floating restroom a safer stop for boaters in need.

06/12/2026

Malheur, Umatilla and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests are recruiting individuals to be members on the Northeast Oregon Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) that was established as required by the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. Recruitment for Northeast Oregon RAC will end on July 13, 2026.

Visit the Northeast Oregon RAC page for more information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/umatilla/working-with-us/committees/northeast-oregon-forests-resource-advisory-committee-neof

06/12/2026

Baker County Parks has put fire restrictions onto all of the Parks' properties. This means no open flames.
As July 4th nears, this is also a reminder that there are absolutely NO FIREWORKS on any of the Parks' properties.

06/05/2026

Bishop Spring Rest Area is OPEN!
The vandalism has been removed and the room sterilized. Thank you for your patience while the mess was being cleaned up.

06/05/2026

Bishop Spring rest area is closed due to vandalism. We will reopen it as soon as it is cleaned up.

05/23/2026

Life jackets are important! Hewitt and Holcomb Parks have 4 life jacket kiosks that have all sizes of life jackets you can borrow. Our motto: Get into it!

As we conclude National Safe Boating Week, hopefully, you get the gist that life jackets are the single most important piece of equipment for recreational boating. It's not just about safety. It's about building positive memories with friends and family. Being a role model and encouraging others who are enjoying water recreation to wear one. What's the downside?

Accidents happen. Your chances of surviving them go WAY UP when wearing a life jacket. It buys you time, keeps your core warm, lifts your head above the water, and is designed with boating activities in mind.

On behalf of the Oregon State Marine Board, we wish everyone a wonderful (and safe!) Memorial Day Weekend.