Morrison's Rogue River Lodge History
Southern Oregon Rogue River Rafting and Fishing Resort
Morrison's Rogue River Lodge is located sixteen miles downstream from
Grants Pass along the banks of the famed Rogue River. The authentic log lodge and
individual cottages, half hidden by groves of evergreen, maple and oak, attract not only
fishermen, but also river rafters, gold panners, rock hounds, swimmers, and those who take
pleasure in being immersed in the sights and sounds of the wilderness.
The lodge was built in 1945 by river guide and lumber mill worker Lloyd
Morrison. He had several fishing clients that would have to drive out from Grants Pass to
this area to fish, and at that time the road to Grants Pass was simply awful. Building
supplies such as nails were hard to come by because of World War II. With the help of a
few San Francisco clients he was able to secure the essentials. He handpicked his lumber,
and the choice bird's-eye pine he used throughout the lodge has become even more lustrous
and beautiful with the patinas of time. Mr. Morrison then gradually added one cottage and
moved two little houses onto the property to accommodate his fisherman clientele. After he
sold the lodge the buildings grew somewhat neglected for a time under other ownership.
In June of 1964, B.A. and Elaine Hanten bought the lodge and moved in
with their 3 small children; Mike(5), Michelle(4) and Mark(2). Originally from South
Dakota, B.A. & Elaine had happy memories of working at Yellowstone Park and were
looking for a similar resort type atmosphere. Elaine was a home economics major in college
and had always loved to cook and B.A. took to guiding. The first season in a new
life-style proved hard work but well worth it.
In December of 1964, the rampaging Rogue flooded and wiped out all the
cottages, which the Hantens had just begun to renovate. The water rose in the main lodge
to above the mantel on the fireplace. The main building survived, but the cottages were
nothing but a pile of bricks. With the help of a disaster loan, they cleaned up and
repaired the main lodge with a few little additions and built 3 new cottages, up on stilts
this time.
Over the years the business grew and with it's growth came more cabins
and of course more planted lawn. The raft trips started in the early '70's, before it was
fashionable in the rest of the country, and grew in popularity. By the mid 70's the Rogue
was designated a "Wild and Scenic" river by the Federal Government, and the raft
trip business was in full swing.
Steelhead fishing has been the main attraction on the Rogue for many
decades. In the mid 1920's Zane Grey was enamored with the "half-pounders" that
are unique to this part of the world. "Half-pounders" are immature Steelhead
that have gone to the ocean and return to the river before reaching adult size. They are
tenacious fish that fight hard when caught. "Half-pounders" are only found on 3
rivers in the U.S.; the Rogue, Klamath, and Eel.
This is the 44th season that the Hantens have owned and operated
Morrison's Lodge. Regretfully Elaine and Michelle are no longer with us: Elaine died
suddenly of a heart attack in 1996 and Michelle recently succumbed to breast cancer. While
B.A. is retired and Mark and Mike have gone off to explore other parts of the world,
Churchill, Michelle's son, will continue to pass on their legacy of wonderful hospitality
and fabulous meals.
The lodge has grown from the old days and it now requires a full staff
to operate. We are very lucky to have a wonderful group of people who work hard together
to make the place run. We hope that you will enjoy your stay in this very magical place,
and we sincerely hope that you will join us again before too long.
Comments: |
The
river was beautiful, and all of your staff was excellent, friendly and efficient
Linda S. White
Denver, CO |
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