Merlin

Travel Guide

Merlin featuring signage
Merlin featuring signage
Rogue River in Merlin, Oregon
Steel bridge on Rogue River near Merlin, Oregon
Fairbanks-Morse engine running at the Pottsville Museum.

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.

Riverside Inn

Riverside Inn

2.5 out of 5
986 S.W. 6th Grants Pass OR
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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,949 reviews)
River front room was very relaxing, quiet comfortable location.

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026

Riverside Inn
Motel 6 Grants Pass, OR

Motel 6 Grants Pass, OR

2 out of 5
1800 Ne 7th St Grants Pass OR
The price is RM159 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
RM159
RM180 total
16 Mar - 17 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Grants Pass. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,760 reviews)
Room was clean. Housekeeping was great and front desk were super helpful.

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026

Motel 6 Grants Pass, OR
Best Western Inn At The Rogue

Best Western Inn At The Rogue

2.5 out of 5
8959 Rogue River Hwy Grants Pass OR
The price is RM324 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
RM324
RM348 total
29 Mar - 30 Mar
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
Friendly, clean and comfortable bed!

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2026

Best Western Inn At The Rogue
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.
Racing Horse Ranch with Unlimited Golf

Racing Horse Ranch with Unlimited Golf

4 out of 5
4300 Lower River Road Grants Pass OR
Stay at this cottage in Grants Pass. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Schroeder Park and Ruckman Memorial Trailhead are located ...
Racing Horse Ranch with Unlimited Golf
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.

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