Merlin Travel Guide

Tourist 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 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
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (74 reviews)
Professional

Reviewed on 7 Sept 2025

Morrison's Rogue River Lodge
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,815 reviews)
Rooms and staff are always wonderful. Great location and peaceful rooms

Reviewed on 2 Nov 2025

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 ₹3,788 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
₹3,788
₹4,299 total
24 Nov - 25 Nov
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! (1,692 reviews)
Matt was great checking me in. The room was great. The new look and paint is great makes everything look well kept.

Reviewed on 4 Nov 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, OR
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 ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
This felt like dropping in to grandma‘s house. This property has been in the owner‘s family for 100 years, and it feels very well lived-in. This is definitely not a sterile hotel room… there’s history here. Everything you could possibly need is provided and there is plenty of outdoor space to enjoy ...

Reviewed on 25 Oct 2025

Outdoor Adventure: Tranquil Creekside Retreat
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 Wi-Fi, 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 25 Jan 2025

Rogue River Resort
Close to Parks & Brews: Sunny Grants Pass Apt!

Close to Parks & Brews: Sunny Grants Pass Apt!

3 out of 5
Grants Pass, OR
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Grants Pass. Enjoy free parking, an in-room coffee maker 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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