Merlin, OR

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Travel Oregon
Merlin
Photo by Heather C
Photo by Heather C
Photo by Heather C

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 recognize 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 kilometers) through beautiful terrain to arrive at Merlin. Stop at the Smullin Visitor Center 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 ₩371,828 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
₩371,828
₩377,403 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach lodge in Merlin. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Indian Mary County Park and Ennis Riffle ...
9/10 Wonderful! (74 reviews)
"Professional"

Reviewed on Sep 7, 2025

Morrison's Rogue River Lodge
Riverside Inn

Riverside Inn

2.5 out of 5
986 S.W. 6th, Grants Pass, OR
The price is ₩174,347 per night from Oct 1 to Oct 2
₩174,347
₩197,884 total
Oct 1 - Oct 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Grants Pass. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,739 reviews)
"Cute clean room. Great staff."

Reviewed on Sep 10, 2025

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 ₩100,692 per night from Oct 12 to Oct 13
₩100,692
₩114,285 total
Oct 12 - Oct 13
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Grants Pass. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,505 reviews)
"This was a great stop over on our way back from Portland fo San Francisco. It was very clean, safe, comfortable and easy for us to stay with our dog. The room was spacious and simple but also convenient with a microwave and fridge freezer."

Reviewed on Sep 7, 2025

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.
Rogue River Resort

Rogue River Resort

3 out of 5
2520 Rogue River Hwy, Grants Pass, OR
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Grants Pass. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Bear Hotel Artworks Museum and Riverside ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (37 reviews)
Wonderful Location
"The cabin was new, attractive, and had fabulous views from all but one of the windows. My teens and I enjoyed skipping rocks on the river just a few steps from the deck. The electronic keypad lock was super easy and convenient. The couch is very comfy and the TV was excellent. Easy to login to several ..."

Reviewed on Jan 25, 2025

Rogue River Resort
Grants Pass Vacation Rental Home: Deck + Views!

Grants Pass Vacation Rental Home: Deck + Views!

3 out of 5
Grants Pass
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly cottage in Grants Pass. Enjoy free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions Dollar Mountain Trailhead and Barnstormers ...
Grants Pass Vacation Rental Home: Deck + Views!
Cozy Grants Pass Home ~ 9 Mi to Rogue River Access

Cozy Grants Pass Home ~ 9 Mi to Rogue River Access

3 out of 5
Grants Pass
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly cottage in Grants Pass. Enjoy free parking, in-room fireplaces, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Riverside Park ...
Cozy Grants Pass Home ~ 9 Mi to Rogue River Access
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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