Merlin

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 CA $365 per night from Jul 15 to Jul 16
CA $365
CA $371 total
Jul 15 - Jul 16
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! (73 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
Unique Stay Guest House | Cocktail & Tap-House
Unique Stay Guest House | Cocktail & Tap-House
Merlin
The price is CA $99 per night from Jul 15 to Jul 16
CA $99
CA $218 total
Jul 15 - Jul 16
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this apartment in Merlin. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Pottsville Museum and Pioneer Town and Robertson Bridge ...
10/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
Perfect short term stay
"Stayed for a month here with my mom as we continued our hunt for our forever home. The people in Merlin are ALL awesome and welcoming; we couldn’t ask for a better group of people: with each person we met, the very next one was even better. In addition, my mom fell in love with the MY PLACE bar. ..."

Reviewed on May 31, 2025

Unique Stay Guest House | Cocktail & Tap-House
Galice Lodge House on the scenic Rogue River
Galice Lodge House on the scenic Rogue River
Merlin
The price is CA $957 per night from Jul 22 to Jul 23
CA $957
CA $1,144 total
Jul 22 - Jul 23
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! (30 reviews)
"It was absolutely amazing! We loved the lodge as well as Galice itself the live music was a blast! And loved the grounds. We saw deer behind the house. Loved that the kids could safely play our front and behind the lodge and plenty of space to host our employees and their families. Close to spots ..."

Reviewed on Jun. 18, 2025

Galice Lodge House on the scenic Rogue River
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.
Unique Stay Guest House | Cocktail & Tap-House
Unique Stay Guest House | Cocktail & Tap-House
Merlin
Stay at this apartment in Merlin. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Pottsville Museum and Pioneer Town and Robertson Bridge ...
10/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
Perfect short term stay
"Stayed for a month here with my mom as we continued our hunt for our forever home. The people in Merlin are ALL awesome and welcoming; we couldn’t ask for a better group of people: with each person we met, the very next one was even better. In addition, my mom fell in love with the MY PLACE bar. ..."

Reviewed on May 31, 2025

Unique Stay Guest House | Cocktail & Tap-House
Outdoor Adventure: Tranquil Creekside Retreat
Outdoor Adventure: Tranquil Creekside Retreat
Merlin
Stay at this cabin in Merlin. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Carpenters Island Park and Ennis Riffle County Park are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (17 reviews)
wonderful
"na"

Reviewed on Jan. 1, 2025

Outdoor Adventure: Tranquil Creekside Retreat
The Riverview House!
The Riverview House!
Merlin
Stay at this vacation home in Merlin. Enjoy laundry facilities, a pool table, and patios. Popular attractions Carpenters Island Park and Ennis Riffle County ...
10/10 Exceptional! (16 reviews)
Rafting trip
"Great spot with incredible views. House is very clean and well maintained"

Reviewed on Jul. 9, 2025

The Riverview House!
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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