Weasku Inn
5560 Rogue River Hwy.
(Hwy.99). Breakfast included.
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| porch at Weasku Inn in Grants Pass, Oregon |
First, a little history. Movie star Clark Gable vacationed regularly here in his favorite fishing lodge, and he also holed up here for two weeks and mourned intensely when actress Carole Lombard, his third wife and the love of his life, perished in a plane crash in 1942. During that time he didn’t want to see anyone, and so food and drink were left outside his room. Eventually, he exited to face his obligations and, at age 41, to enlist in the Army Air Corps and volunteer for combat duty (he earned a Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal for bombing missions in Germany).
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| fan in Clark Gable room at Weasku Inn in Grants Pass, Oregon |
When you see the rustic beauty of this old-fashioned lodge, you’ll recognize that it could easily hold healing powers. And, at the very least, it will work some temporary magic on both the nerves of road warriors who spend the night here, resting away from the highway battles of Interstate 5, and on the general psyche of anyone coming here to recuperate from the trials and tribulations of everyday life.
Though it obviously has always been a comfortable spot to kick back, this circa 1924 log cabin lodge is not as “rustic” as it once was. It has been carefully restored from ruin, with five lodge rooms--including Gable’s vaulted ceiling room (#4)--and four riverfront cabins holding nine guest rooms. All have been completely rebuilt and updated, and each has a private deck or balcony with a river view. Some of the suites have a two-story-high ceiling crossed with massive log beams, a river-rock fireplace with a split log mantle, and an oversize whirlpool bathtub. Throughout, the cozy decor consists of expanses of beautifully patinaed wood floors, primitive landscape paintings, handmade quilts, and comfortable furniture reflecting the inn’s heyday era. Forest views are seen from every window. When rebuilding, pains were taken not to disturb the trees and gardens and vast expanses of manicured lawns. And indeed, the whole property looks like it has been here for a long, long time.
One of the most popular activities is fishing. Famous anglers in the past include Gable as well as crooner Bing Crosby, Western writer Zane Grey, and President Herbert Hoover. Since the inn is situated beside what is reputed to be the best fishing hole on the Rogue River, you might want to pack along your favorite pole. Or you can borrow one from the front desk. The inn provides a barbecue so you can cook up your fresh catch for dinner.
The evening wine and cheese reception is a good time to relax beside the enormous river-rock fireplace in the lodge’s inviting Great Room and soak up the days-gone-by atmosphere. On weekends, guests can opt for a do-it-yourself evening barbecue on the lodge’s deck. A complimentary buffet breakfast is laid out in the lodge’s distinctive Rainbow Room dining area. Should you prefer, it can be delivered right to your room. Either way, you’ll leave this roadside haven refreshed and ready for whatever comes at you.
More things to do along Highway 5 in Oregon.
images copyright Carole Terwilliger Meyers
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