When my husband and I decided to take a whitewater rafting trip on the Rogue River, we were excited to learn that we would be staying at Morrison’s Rogue River Lodge the night before our morning departure. My husband planned to drive up to Southern Oregon from the San Francisco Bay Area and I would be flying into Medford International Airport to meet him.
An easy drive from San Francisco to Medford, my husband had no trouble breezing up to the airport to pick me up and whisk us to the tiny town of Merlin, Oregon where our rafting trip would begin. The historic log lodge has been anchored near the banks of the Rogue River since 1945. With 4 rooms offered in the main lodge, as well as 4 cabins and 4 cottages sprinkled about the property, there are several lodging options to suit couples, friends or families. They even have dog-friendly rooms for an additional $15. fee. – check the website for rates.
You’ll notice in the picture above that the cabin rooms are on stilts. This is due to the flood of 1964. The Rogue River raised its raging waters above the fireplace mantel in the main lodge. After disaster struck the family-owned lodge owners re-built, making sure the cabins were housed on stilts to avoid any future potential flooding. Today, the raised cabins architecture serves as a handy carport for hotel guests.
Our cabin #4, a queen bed, came with air conditioning, a mini-fridge, separate bathroom with a tub/shower combination and a fireplace in the room. We were grateful for the a/c during our July visit, but I imagine fishermen would appreciate having the heat during salmon season in the fall and winter. Additionally, the cabins offered high speed internet, a coffee maker, hair dryer, iron and ironing board and cotton robes for use during our stay. There’s also tv and a telephone in room….because your cell phone will not be of us to you for that feature here.
Tuck Away Cottage at Morrison’s Rogue River Lodge
If I were to come back here with my family, I’d opt for the Tuck Away cottage. It sleeps four and includes a private bath. Taylor Creek cottage sleeps seven and has two bathrooms. (I didn’t go inside either of these individual cabins, however, I imagine they offer more privacy. They also come with the use of a golf cart for zooming about the resort.
The old-fashioned resort offers a few cruiser bikes, disc golf, basket ball, ping pong and a heated swimming pool on property. Guests may also rent standup paddle boards and kayaks for taking out on the Rogue River. But if you want a truly memorable vacation, tack on a rafting trip with Row Adventures.
One of the unexpected pleasures of a stay at Morrison’s Rogue River Lodge is the opportunity to enjoy a four course gourmet meal (inside or outside) by the scenic river. A foodie snob from Northern California, I was truly impressed with the caliber of meal that Chef Jim Thomas delivered. Forty bucks (during my visit) will get you a four-course, Prix Fixe dinner, with a starter, salad, choice of an entree, vegetables, potato, pasta or rice, dessert, coffee or tea. This price includes the tasty orange dinner rolls.
The living room and stone fireplace at the lodge
Rates for the main lodge start at $92, with rates starting at $124 – $129 for the Rogue River Cabins and Tuck Away Cottage, respectively. Taylor Creek cottage starts at $197 per night. Again, check the website for current rates. You can also compare rates and book through Expedia or Booking.com.
Lodge review and photography by San Francisco Bay Area based travel writer Nancy D. Brown. I was a guest of Row Adventures while researching Southern Oregon story ideas. As always, all opinions are my own.
