The Molalla Deep Project is an on-going exploration project of the Willamette Valley Grotto, located in Portland, Oregon. The grotto is an NSS (National Speleological Society) recognized member. Exploration here began over 15 years ago by a few adventurous cavers who explored the dry portions of the cave. From the entrance hole you descend nearly straight down 80' to a very small landing that slopes steeply into the water filled passage. In the original exploration, flotation rafts were utilized to float the winding passage back to several restrictions caused by fallen rock from overhead. Exploration was halted due to the inability to further progress past the restrictions and the fact that the job of mapping the dry portions of the cave had been completed. The recent efforts by the Willamette Valley Grotto will take us into the water filled portion of the cave. Exploration will include mapping of the known water filled passage along with what yet is to be discovered. Full video footage will be taken and the mystery of Molalla Deep will be put to rest once and for all. There has been interest in finding the source of the water along with the documentation of any inhabitants the cave may play host to. Stay tuned for updates on the progress of this project and the results of the big dive!

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The beautiful fern covered rock walls surrounding the cave Robert Johnson exploring possibilities in the surrounding area The vertical rock walls surrounding the site Jeff Waugh taking a look on the first trip out to the site The entrance to Molalla Deep
Jeff Waugh, Robert Johnson & Scott Sievertsen working out details of the drop to the pits floor Robert "Vertical Bob" Johnson securing a primary tie off point for the vertical and hauling systems Preparing the hauling system Scott Sievertsen putting the final touches on the hauling system Robert Johnson geared up for "the big drop"
Scott Sievertsen preparing his vertical gear Jeff Waugh geared up for the 80' drop to the water Robert Johnson "on rope" and on his way... Robert Johnson "dropping the pit" A view from the bottom of the pit looking into the water
Scott Sievertsen begins his descent into the darkness... Scott Sievertsen negotiating the restrictive walls of Molalla Deep Jeff Waugh at the bottom of the pit determining what will be needed for the diving that lies ahead Looking back into the cave with the help of a powerful HID diving light A salamander who made the return trip with Robert Johnson