Mel's Hole

The Art Bell Call (1997)
The legend of Mel's Hole began in February 1997, when a man calling himself "Mel Waters" phoned into the Coast to Coast AM radio show. Mel claimed he had discovered a mysterious, apparently bottomless hole on his rural property near Ellensburg, Washington. I remember hearing this live in 1997. It was unforgettable!

Supposed Endless Depth
Mel said he tried to measure the hole's depth using a weighted fishing line. According to him, the line went down over 80,000 feet-more than 15 miles-without ever reaching the bottom. This astonishing claim helped fuel the story's notoriety.

Strange Physical Properties
According to Mel, the hole possessed unusual qualities: objects dropped into it made no sound, animals avoided it, and the air nearby felt unnaturally cold. Some neighbors even used it as a dump, but it never seemed to fill up.

Stories of Revived Animals
Mel claimed that a local man lowered a dead dog into the hole, only for the animal to later be seen alive and roaming the area. Other tales included healing properties and bizarre effects on nearby wildlife.

Government Involvement
In a later call, Mel claimed the U.S. government intervened, cordoning off the land and forbidding access. He alleged that officials offered him money to leave the area and keep quiet about the hole's location.

The Location Debate
Skeptics and investigators have repeatedly tried to find Mel's Hole based on Mel's descriptions. Despite many searches, no physical evidence or exact location has ever been found, deepening the mystery.

Geological Impossibility
Experts have pointed out that a vertical shaft of such depth is geologically impossible in the region. The deepest known mine in the world is just over 12,000 feet, and a natural hole of 80,000 feet would collapse under its own weight.

The Identity of Mel Waters
No verifiable records exist for a "Mel Waters" owning property in the Ellensburg area. The man's true identity and motives remain unknown, leading some to believe it was an elaborate hoax or a piece of performance art.

Media and Pop Culture
The story of Mel's Hole became a staple of Coast to Coast AM and spread rapidly online. It has inspired documentaries, podcasts, and even fictional stories, cementing its place in modern folklore.

Scientific Interest
While scientists generally dismiss Mel's claims, the story has sparked debate about sinkholes, geological anomalies, and how urban legends are born and spread in the age of talk radio and the internet.

Hoax, Prank, or Genuine Mystery?
Most evidence suggests Mel's Hole is a well-constructed hoax. Yet, the lack of closure and the continuing reports of strange holes in other places keep the legend alive among paranormal enthusiasts.

Other "Bottomless" Legends
Mel's Hole joins a long list of supposed bottomless pits found in folklore and myth, from the Devil's Hole in Nevada to legendary wells and chasms across the world, all sharing themes of mystery and the unknown.

Impact on Ellensburg
Despite the dubious reality, the story of Mel's Hole has drawn curiosity seekers and paranormal fans to the Ellensburg area, sometimes to the annoyance of local residents and authorities.

The Enduring Legend
Decades later, Mel's Hole remains one of America's best-known modern mysteries. With no real evidence and countless unanswered questions, it continues to fascinate anyone interested in the strange and unexplained.