Merlin

Travel Guide

A green bus with a bear sculpture and 'Wildlife Images' written on it.
A river flowing through a forested valley with a bridge in the distance.
A concrete bridge with yellow railings spanning a river, surrounded by forested hills.
An old, rusted engine under a wooden shelter.
A calm lake surrounded by dense forest and a clear sky.

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 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
The price is CA $393 per night from Aug 16 to Aug 17
CA $393
CA $399 total
Aug 16 - Aug 17
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (75 reviews)
"Morrison's river lodge is truly unique. Every detail has been curated. From the dining room you look out onto a large grassy area with tall trees shading the lodge and lawn down to the river. The staff is superb! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay there before we set out on our grand river rafting ..."

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2026

Morrison's Rogue River Lodge
Galice Lodge House on the scenic Rogue River

Galice Lodge House on the scenic Rogue River

Merlin OR
The price is CA $1,109 per night from Aug 19 to Aug 20
CA $1,109
CA $1,324 total
Aug 19 - Aug 20
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly lodge in Merlin. Enjoy laundry facilities, a pool table, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Carpenters Island ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (37 reviews)
"The Galice Lodge is a great place for a large group. We all had our own bedrooms. Lots of privacy as well as a very comfortable common area to gather. The kitchen was well stocked with utensils, pots, and pans. The house is located in such a scenic part of Oregon with easy access to lots of water ..."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2026

Galice Lodge House on the scenic Rogue River
The perfect vacation destination, a huge house for your loved ones!

The perfect vacation destination, a huge house for your loved ones!

Merlin OR
The price is CA $831 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
CA $831
CA $993 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this vacation home in Merlin. Enjoy laundry facilities, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Carpenters Island ...
10/10 Exceptional! (33 reviews)
"Very clean, well stocked with all amenities and a wonderful location. We slept 14 people from 5 different families on a pre Rogue float night and it was perfect."

Reviewed on May 27, 2026

The perfect vacation destination, a huge house for your loved ones!
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.
The perfect vacation destination, a huge house for your loved ones!

The perfect vacation destination, a huge house for your loved ones!

Merlin OR
Stay at this vacation home in Merlin. Enjoy laundry facilities, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Carpenters Island ...
10/10 Exceptional! (33 reviews)
"Very clean, well stocked with all amenities and a wonderful location. We slept 14 people from 5 different families on a pre Rogue float night and it was perfect."

Reviewed on May 27, 2026

The perfect vacation destination, a huge house for your loved ones!
MyFarm Stay/Rustic Barn Charm with Modern Comforts/walk to dining. Pet-Friendly!

MyFarm Stay/Rustic Barn Charm with Modern Comforts/walk to dining. Pet-Friendly!

Merlin OR
Stay at this apartment in Merlin. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Pottsville Museum and Pioneer Town and Robertson ...
10/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
"Every detail is taken care of for you! Great communication with the host! Will stay again next time we are here to visit! Thank you!"

Reviewed on Nov 26, 2025

MyFarm Stay/Rustic Barn Charm with Modern Comforts/walk to dining. Pet-Friendly!
Cozy Spa Vibe Guesthouse -walk to food/Lotto. Pet-Friendly!

Cozy Spa Vibe Guesthouse -walk to food/Lotto. Pet-Friendly!

Merlin OR
Stay at this apartment in Merlin. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Pottsville Museum and Pioneer Town and Robertson Bridge ...
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
"Place was nice. It is on a main road and in a sometimes busy parking lot and next door to a 420 shop. Parking is not designated so it’s first come first serve so keep that in mind. Also the Tap house “My Place” was not open 7 days a week and on days open they close at 10pm. If your staying for a ..."

Reviewed on Dec 2, 2025

Cozy Spa Vibe Guesthouse -walk to food/Lotto. Pet-Friendly!
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.

Stay near popular Merlin attractions

Things to do

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