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 ₩363,710 per night from Jun 17 to Jun 18
₩363,710
₩369,163 total
Jun 17 - Jun 18
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! (72 reviews)
"Our room was in the Lodge on the 2nd floor. Very tiny room right next to the kitchen exhaust. At 1:20 a.m. the fire alarm went off. It was attached to the ceiling so we could not turn it off. There was no one else in the lodge. We opened all the windows and turned on the fan in the room and it finally ..."

Reviewed on Jul 22, 2023

Morrison's Rogue River Lodge
Outdoor Adventure: Tranquil Creekside Retreat
Outdoor Adventure: Tranquil Creekside Retreat
3 out of 5
Merlin
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Merlin. Enjoy free parking, patios, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Carpenters Island Park and Ennis Riffle County ...
"Beautiful place, the views are breathtaking. I’m happy to say that if my family goes on another trip I’ll definitely be seeing if this will be available ahead of time!"

Reviewed on Mar 31, 2025

Outdoor Adventure: Tranquil Creekside Retreat
Motel 6 Grants Pass, OR
Motel 6 Grants Pass, OR
2 out of 5
1800 Ne 7th St, Grants Pass, OR
The price is ₩64,740 per night from Jun 29 to Jun 30
₩64,740
₩73,478 total
Jun 29 - Jun 30
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Grants Pass. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,455 reviews)
"Expedia didn't let guests know the air conditioning units weren't working. However, the very helpful front desk person, Jeannette, offered me a full refund, walked me through the process of dealing with Expedia."

Reviewed on Jun 11, 2025

Motel 6 Grants Pass, OR
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.
Outdoor Adventure: Tranquil Creekside Retreat
Outdoor Adventure: Tranquil Creekside Retreat
3 out of 5
Merlin
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Merlin. Enjoy free parking, patios, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Carpenters Island Park and Ennis Riffle County ...
"Beautiful place, the views are breathtaking. I’m happy to say that if my family goes on another trip I’ll definitely be seeing if this will be available ahead of time!"

Reviewed on Mar 31, 2025

Outdoor Adventure: Tranquil Creekside Retreat
Close to Wine Trail: Home w/ Deck Near Applegate
Close to Wine Trail: Home w/ Deck Near Applegate
3 out of 5
Grants Pass
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly cottage in Grants Pass. Enjoy free parking, balconies, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Troon Vineyard and Rosella's ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
Great place hope to stay again
"This property was awesome. I spent two of my days here watching the doe gtaze in the front or back yard and later discovered there was actually two of them at times. Its very peaceful and not as far from town as it seems. Check in is very easy and accomadating."

Reviewed on Jun 14, 2025

Close to Wine Trail: Home w/ Deck Near Applegate
Close to Parks & Brews: Sunny Grants Pass Apt!
Close to Parks & Brews: Sunny Grants Pass Apt!
3 out of 5
Grants Pass
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Grants Pass. Enjoy free parking, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Riverside Park and Rogue River ...
Close to Parks & Brews: Sunny Grants Pass Apt!
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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