Hidden Treasures North of Grants Pass
Beyond city limits, Josephine County offers a treasure trove of places to explore. While wine lovers flock to the Applegate Valley and nature enthusiasts explore Oregon Caves in the Illinois Valley, north of Grants Pass has its own hidden gems. Between the North Valley communities of Merlin, Wolf Creek, Sunny Valley, and Galice, discover ghost towns, museums, historic inns, and scenic hiking trails.
Wolf Creek Inn
Just a short drive from Grants Pass is the historic Wolf Creek Inn and Tavern, which first opened its doors to guests traveling along the Applegate Trail in 1883. The location was a popular stagecoach stop and afforded visitors a comfortable stay during the 16-day trip from San Francisco to Portland. Over the years, the inn has accumulated quite a few notable guests, including Clarke Gable, Carole Lombard, John Wayne, President Hayes, Orson Wells, Douglas Fairbanks, and writer, Jack London. For those who don’t plan to stay the night, visitors are still welcome to take a self-guided tour around the inn and grounds and can dine with them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Sunny Valley Tipis
If you’re looking for a unique place to stay around Grants Pass, head north to Sunny Valley and experience glamping at its best. Tipis at Sunny Valley Resort offers all the conveniences and luxuries one might want while providing a quiet retreat in nature. The resort is nestled in the middle of 150 acres of forest, with ponds, hiking trails, and beautiful views. Tipis include internet and private decks with a bathroom and shower. The space also offers an outdoor movie screen, axe throwing station, paddle boarding, pickle ball court, and outdoor games. Perfect for those wanting an off-grid escape, plan a romantic getaway or gathering with friends at Sunny Valley Tipis Resort.
Pottsville Historical Museum
For over 60 years, Pottsville Historical Museum in Merlin is home to thousands of items that share a glimpse into Oregon’s past, from the mining and logging industries to war memorabilia and early 20th century antiques. Take a self-guided driving or walking tour around the property and schedule a free tour inside the museum 10am-6pm 7/days a week. As a nonprofit, donations are appreciated. Dogs and horses are also invited to explore the grounds. Learn more about the museum on their website and schedule a tour: (541) 761-7319
Area61
One of the latest hot spots to grace our galaxy can be found at Merlin’s Area 61. This food truck park and taproom is the perfect spot to take the family for dinner or grab a beer after rafting the Rogue River. Throughout the week, you’ll find both permanent and rotating food trucks, with culinary offerings like Korean fusion, tacos, pizza, and smash burgers. They also hold fun weekly events! Find them on Merlin Road, conveniently located near exit 61 on I-5 and follow them on Facebook for specials!
London Peak Accessible Trail
Named after Jack London, the acclaimed novelist of The Call of the Wild and White Fang, the view from London Peak is one for the books! For an easy and ADA accessible hike, follow London Peak Road in Wolf Creek to the trailhead and enjoy a birds-eye view of the Wolf Creek Inn where the writer regularly stayed to write his novels. For those up for a longer or more strenuous hike, begin your hike to London Peak at the Wolf Creek Park campground and pass through old growth forest before arriving at the overlook.
*4WD recommended
Golden Ghost Town
After the discovery of gold in the mid 19th century, miners from California made their way north to the Rogue Valley and laid claim to the area along Coyote Creek. In 1880, William and Ruth Ruble along with their sons moved to Golden to seek their fortune, and eventually designed a system that made hydraulic mining more efficient with their invention, the Ruble Elevator. With the success of their new invention, the family quickly bought up land and mining rights and officially established the town in 1890. After the years, gold production slowed down and by the early to mid 20th century, the town was abandoned. Today, it’s a popular place for ghost hunters and has been featured on the Travel Channel’s show “Ghost Adventures”. Take a self-guided tour around the property where you can explore the church, schoolhouse, general store, and some barns. Find Golden by exiting at the Wolf Creek exit and turning right onto Coyote Creek rd.
Hellgate Canyon
Just a few miles from Merlin lies the deepest gorge on the Rogue River. Over 200 feet deep, Hellgate Canyon offers breathtaking views of the river and surrounding mountains. It’s also been a popular Hollywood filming site, including scenes in Rooster Cogburn (John Wayne/Katharine Hepburn), The River Wild (Meryl Streep/Kevin Bacon), and Gunsmoke. Whether you’re rafting through the canyon, enjoying a ride with Hellgate Jetboats, or getting a birds-eye view from above- it’s a sight to behold.
King Mountain Rock Garden ACEC
After visiting Golden, continue along Coyote Creek Road before heading up the mountain to the King Mountain Rock Garden, situated at 5,265ft. Known for its panoramic views and abundant wildflowers, this high elevation trail is an amazing place to enjoy nature while avoiding the crowds. Designated as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern, it’s home to several unique and endangered plants including the Siskiyou Missionbells and Umpqua Phacelia. While hiking along the short 2-mile roundtrip trail, pass rocky outcroppings and colorful wildflowers while soaking in the 360 views.
*4WD Recommended
Coordinates: 42.68033° N, 123.25808° W
Directions:
From I-5, take the Wolf Creek Exit
Turn right onto Coyote Creek
Follow Coyote Creek Rd 9miles until arriving at the trailhead.
Rogue River Trail
Experience one of the best day hikes in Southern Oregon by following the Rogue River Trail to Whisky Creek Cabin. This 7-mile roundtrip hike takes you to the last remaining miners cabin in the Lower Rogue Gorge and offers stunning views of the river, old-growth forest, spring wildflowers, and mining relics. Built by an unknown miner around 1880, Whisky Creek Cabin remains essentially untouched since its early days due to the cabin’s isolated location. Today, you can make your way to this 19th century homestead by rafting along the river or hiking the Rogue River Trail from Grave Creek. During the spring and early summer, the trail is flush with wildflowers as you cross several footbridges, creeks, and waterfalls to Whisky Creek. Throughout the fall, golden yellow hues take over the river canyon. The cabin remains open for self-guided tours where visitors can spot mining relics and interpretive signs about the area’s history. For those interested in backpacking, continue past the cabin and follow the entire 40 mile trail that stretches from Grave Creek towards the coast near Agness. At this time, the trail head is only accessible by following Wolf Creek/ Grave Creek rd as Galice Road remains closed past Rand due to the Rum Creek Fire.
Wildlife Images and Rehabilitation Center
Get in touch with your wild side and plan a tour at Wildlife Images, home to animal ambassadors like Ms Jefferson the Bald Eagle, Augie the Augur Buzzard, and Buddy the Great Horned Owl. Unlike zoos, for over 40 years, this acclaimed rehabilitation and education center aims to heal injured and orphaned wildlife and return them to the wild. If animals are deemed healthy and safe to return to the wild, they are released, and the ones that aren’t get to be spoiled by their caretakers for the rest of their lives. More than 1,000 animals are treated each year at the rehabilitation clinic and include animals from all over the world. From wolves and mountain lions, to birds and reptiles, Wildlife Images is a great place to learn about animals and witness them up close. Self-guided tours are available from 9am-4pm daily, with adjusted winter hours. They also offer guided tours, cart tours for those with mobility challenges, and special animal encounters.
Grave Creek Covered Bridge
Built in 1920, the wooden Grave Creek Covered bridge in Sunny Valley is the last covered bridge of the North-South Pacific Highway, US Route-99. Not only that, but it’s the only covered bridge from British Columbia to the Mexican border that can be seen from I-5. Whether you drive or walk across the bridge, make sure to stop and read the interpretive sign which gives more background to the bridge’s history.
Morrisons Lodge and Restaurant
Uniquely situated on a peaceful bend of the famous Rogue River, Morrisons has been hosting anglers, couples, families, and other adventure seekers for more than 70 years. The lodge was built in 1945 by river guide and lumber mill worker Lloyd Morrison, and is still owned and operated by his family today. If you’re on the hunt for a delicious meal in the Grants Pass area, Morrisons is a best kept secret. They offer 4-course dinners including their legendary orange rolls and wine pairings. Their scratch-made, locally sourced meals are served 7 days a week. Nearly 90% of their veggies are grown from their garden, their fish is wild-caught, and the beef is Oregon raised so you won’t find a fresher meal around! In addition to meals and lodging, Morrisons also provides guided rafting and fishing trips! Reel in your next adventure at this historic river lodge along the Rogue River.
Indian Mary Park
No matter what time of year you visit, Indian Mary Park is always a stunner. Situated right along the Rogue River near Galice, the park boasts towering trees and beautiful landscaping. Named after Indian Mary who once ran a miner’s ferry near the campground, the area is steeped in Native American and pioneer history. While at camp, throw your line in the water and score a fresh catch for dinner. The park also offers picnicking, swimming, bicycle riding, disc golf, birdwatching, and a small volleyball area. Here, you’ll find full hook-up sites, as well as partial hookups, yurts, and tent sites with shower facilities.
