The Weasku Inn - A Brief History

1921
In November, Savage Rapids Dam and its "fish ladder" are built on the Rogue River six miles from Grants Pass, creating superb angling along Alfred E. Smith's adjacent ten acre property. Smith fells timber by horse-drawn dray and starts building rustic fishing cabins.

1924
In the Spring, Smith's log lodge, named the Weasku Inn, opens with rates of $1 per night or $6 per week.

1927
Renowned Southern California fly-fisherman W.E. "Rainbow" Gibson and his wife Peggy visit the Weasku Inn and fall in love with the wilderness setting. They purchase the property, settle in and bring along a contingent of friends including Clark Gable, Carole Lombard, Zane Grey, Walt Disney, Bing Crosby and Herbert Hoover.

1938
Rainbow Gibson passes on but Mrs. Gibson continues the hospitality tradition at the lodge, cabins and "Log Chalet" cafe.

1942
After the tragic death of his wife Carole Lombard, Clark Gable spends many weeks in seclusion at the Weasku. He is overheard to remark later at a Hollywood gathering, "Well, I'd rather be eating flapjacks at the Weasku Inn," a testimonial to Alice Everand's fabulous cooking at the cafe.

1958
The Inn is sold to a succession of owners

1990
Most cabins and the cafe are dismantled, but the log lodge remains.

1993
Vintage Hotels of Grants Pass purchases the property and a complete restoration begins.

1996
The Weasku Inn Lodge reopens offering its historic hospitality to visitors exploring the scenic Rogue River Valley.

1998
Cabins surrounding the lodge are replaced with 11 luxurious river cabins.