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.

Riverside Inn
Riverside Inn
2.5 out of 5
986 S.W. 6th, Grants Pass, OR
The price is ₩148,664 per night from Jan 25 to Jan 26
₩148,664
₩168,730 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 25 - Jan 26
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! (1,434 reviews)
"Very nice"

Reviewed on Jan 17, 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 ₩91,458 per night from Feb 1 to Feb 2
₩91,458
₩103,810 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 1 - Feb 2
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! (1,293 reviews)
"The rooms are very nice. The room was clean and the bed was very comfortable. The small refrigerator was great for our drinks. The staff was friendly and available."

Reviewed on Jan 22, 2025

Red Lion Inn & Suites Grants Pass
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Grants Pass
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Grants Pass
2.5 out of 5
243 NE Morgan Ln, Grants Pass, OR
The price is ₩127,826 per night from Feb 1 to Feb 2
₩127,826
₩145,085 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 1 - Feb 2
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Grants Pass. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"The hotel was very nice. Staff was friendly. The room was good size, clean and comfortable. Appreciated the indoor heated pool at 88 degrees."

Reviewed on Jan 20, 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham 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 Riverside Park and Rogue River are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (36 reviews)
Hidden Gem on the Rogue
"I couldn't imagine a better place to be in 100 degree+ heat. The cabin was clean, cool and comfortable, but the river front access was a highlight. There are many chairs to sit and watch the river and passersby. There are floaties secured in the water with a small "beach" access for children and ..."

Reviewed on Aug 6, 2024

Rogue River Resort
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.

Popular places to visit