Escape the Ordinary

Morrisons Rogue Wilderness Lodge is your outdoor recreation destination. Located in the heart of Southern Oregon, we are your launchpad into a world of adventure. Morrisons attracts adventurers of all types — anglers, river rafters, gold panners, rock hounds, swimmers, hikers, bikers, and everyone who loves to dive into an exciting new experience.

The historic lodge and individual cabins — partially eclipsed by groves of evergreen, maple and oak trees, and other beautiful greenery — are a peaceful retreat from the stresses of everyday life. Here, there are no pings from emails, voicemails or texts — just the whistling of the water and chorus of bird songs. Whether fishing, rafting, hiking or exploring, you have the luxury of walking from your lodge to the river in mere minutes. We put you in the thick of things so you can experience these amazing natural wonders.

Built in 1945

River guide and lumber mill worker Lloyd Morrison had several fishing clients who traveled from Grants Pass to the middle Rogue to fish. Mr. Morrison dreamt of building a lodge to accommodate these fishermen; however, building supplies were in short supply because of World War II. With the help of some of his San Francisco clients, Mr. Morrison secured the essentials to build his lodge in 1945. He handpicked the lumber, and the choice Bird’s Eye Pine he used throughout the lodge has become more lustrous through the decades.

Mr. Morrison later added a cabin and moved two small houses onto the property. After he sold the lodge, the buildings eventually fell into a period of neglect.

Lloyd and Ruth Morrison ice fishing

New Owners & the Flood of ‘64

In 1964, BA and Elaine Hanten purchased Morrisons Lodge and moved in with their three young children — Mike, Michelle and Mark. They took to guiding, cooking and transforming the lodge into a resort. However, disaster struck in December that same year, when the Rogue River flooded and wiped out the cabins. The water rose so high in the main lodge that it flowed above the fireplace mantel. Fortunately, the lodge survived this turbulent time. With the help of a disaster loan, the Hantens repaired the main lodge. They also built three new cabins on stilts. The business continued to thrive, and with its growth came additional cabins and more manicured grounds.

BA Hanten rafting the Rogue River

Fishing & Rafting

Steelhead fishing has been the main attraction on the Rogue for many decades. In the mid-1920s, famed Western author Zane Grey was enamored with the “half-pounders” that are unique to this region. They are tenacious fish only found on three rivers in the United States: The Eel, the Klamath and the Rogue River.

In 1968, the Rogue was designated a “Wild and Scenic” river by the federal government. At that time, Rogue River Raft Trips, Inc., which operated out of Morrisons, was one of the first to use inflatable rafts to take adventurers down the wild section of the Rogue.

Still Going Strong

For more than 70 seasons, the Hanten family has owned and operated Morrisons Rogue Wilderness Lodge. Although BA, Elaine, and Michelle are no longer with us, Michelle’s son, Churchill, continues their legacy of wonderful hospitality and fabulous meals at this full-service river resort.

Michelle teases her son Churchill while fishing

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

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Based on 454 traveler reviews

TripAdvisor Ranking #2 of 8 things to do in Merlin

Most Recent Traveler Reviews
  • Dec 7, 2016: “Great Fun Great People”
  • Nov 6, 2016: “AMAZING”
  • Oct 17, 2016: “4 days , 3 nights, 44 miles…”
  • Oct 14, 2016: “Scenic, Comfortable Hike”
  • Oct 11, 2016: “Best. Trip. Ever.”

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