Merlin

Travel Guide

A green bus with a bear sculpture and 'Wildlife Images' written on it.
A river flowing through a forested valley with a bridge in the distance.
A concrete bridge with yellow railings spanning a river, surrounded by forested hills.
An old, rusted engine under a wooden shelter.
A calm lake surrounded by dense forest and a clear sky.

A dream for outdoor and wildlife enthusiasts, this quiet area is filled with thick forests, majestic waterfalls and geology of the American frontier.

You may recognise the famous landscape of Merlin, Oregon from the movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid or from one of the many Western films created here. The landscape itself is a movie star, with celebrated terrain of forested cliffs and rapids. In Merlin, sample the best of the natural attractions in this area.

Spend your time in Merlin and surrounding areas outside. Whitewater raft down small cascades, climb bluffs or lie back on an inner tube and float in peaceful bliss. Hike through untamed wilderness areas that are fully canopied by trees.

One of the best ways to experience all of these alluring sights is on the famous Rogue River. Join a whitewater rafting trip down the river. Bring clothes you don’t mind getting wet. They will surely be soaked after the ride.

Traverse the Wild Rogue Wilderness, where you will find miles of undeveloped land. Drop a line and fish for a great catch or simply gaze at the dramatic mountain ranges soaring above the river. To really soak in the peace, get a permit to camp out in the wilds

The small, but varied selection of restaurants in the area is all you need to enjoy great meals during your stay. Bring a cooler so that you can enjoy an afternoon picnic while viewing brilliant vistas.

To get here, fly into Medford, Oregon and drive 29 miles (47 kilometres) through beautiful terrain to arrive at Merlin. Stop at the Smullin Visitor Centre to get details on how to coordinate your trip in this sparsely populated area.

Get to Merlin during the peak summer season, when the weather and vegetation are perfect. Wherever you come from, enjoy active challenges and peaceful reflections in this whitewater wonderland.

Morrison's Rogue River Lodge

Morrison's Rogue River Lodge

2.5 out of 5
8500 Galice Road Merlin OR
The price is RM1,160 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
RM1,160
RM1,177 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach lodge in Merlin. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Indian Mary County Park and Ennis Riffle County ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (75 reviews)
"Morrison's river lodge is truly unique. Every detail has been curated. From the dining room you look out onto a large grassy area with tall trees shading the lodge and lawn down to the river. The staff is superb! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay there before we set out on our grand river rafting ..."

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2026

Morrison's Rogue River Lodge
Riverside Inn

Riverside Inn

2.5 out of 5
986 S.W. 6th Grants Pass OR
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM712 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
RM712
RM808 total
28 Jul - 29 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Grants Pass. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
Riverside Inn
Red Lion Inn & Suites Grants Pass

Red Lion Inn & Suites Grants Pass

2 out of 5
1880 NW 6th St  Grants Pass OR
The price is RM364 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
RM364
RM413 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Grants Pass. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
Red Lion Inn & Suites Grants Pass
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Basecamp GP Private Unit in Quiet Duplex

Basecamp GP Private Unit in Quiet Duplex

3.5 out of 5
446 SW I St Grants Pass OR
Stay at this holiday home in Grants Pass. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Rogue River and The Glass Forge are located ...
Basecamp GP Private Unit in Quiet Duplex
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Merlin attractions

Things to do