Merlin Travel Guide

Tourist 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 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.

Galice Lodge House on the scenic Rogue River

Galice Lodge House on the scenic Rogue River

Merlin OR
The price is AU$1,275 per night from 3 Sept to 4 Sept
AU$1,275
3 Sept - 4 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly lodge in Merlin. Enjoy laundry facilities, a pool table and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Carpenters Island Park ...
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 11 Aug 2026

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

Morrison's Rogue River Lodge

2.5 out of 5
8500 Galice Road Merlin OR
The price is AU$378 per night from 11 Sept to 12 Sept
AU$378
11 Sept - 12 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
9.2/10 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 27 June 2026

Morrison's Rogue River Lodge
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
The price is AU$291 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
AU$291
28 Sept - 29 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this apartment in Merlin. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffee maker 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 26 Nov 2025

MyFarm Stay/Rustic Barn Charm with Modern Comforts/walk to dining. 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.
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 coffee maker 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 26 Nov 2025

MyFarm Stay/Rustic Barn Charm with Modern Comforts/walk to dining. Pet-Friendly!
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 holiday home in Merlin. Enjoy laundry facilities, cable/satellite TV service and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Carpenters Island ...
10/10 Exceptional! (34 reviews)
"A wonderful place to stay with a large group. Worked out perfect for us. Very comfortable, well stocked kitchen. The resort had music two nights which we could enjoy from the big back deck."

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2026

The perfect vacation destination, a huge house for your loved ones!
The Vintage Cottage with riverfront access

The Vintage Cottage with riverfront access

Grants Pass OR
Stay at this cottage in Grants Pass. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and a garden. Popular attractions Bear Hotel Artworks Museum and Riverside Park are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (129 reviews)
"We had a wonderful stay and we were very appreciative that our dog was welcomed and she even made a dog friend. Hoping to come back!"

Reviewed on 25 Aug 2026

The Vintage Cottage with riverfront access
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

Activities

Cities near Merlin