Getting to the Bottom of Mel's Hole
Added 2022-08-30 21:23:27 +0000 UTCOn Mel Waters' property in the Manastash Ridge, west of Ellensburg, Washington, there is a hole in the ground that looks like a well -- but it's not a well.
Like the owners of the property before him, Mel used the hole as a trash dump. His neighbors used it too. Garbage, broken appliances, old tires, everything went in the hole.
After a while, Mel started to wonder: why doesn't it fill up? Then he started to notice other strange things about the hole. His dogs wouldn't go near it. It caused his radio picked up strange signals. And it didn't seem to have a bottom.
Mel's curiosity became an obsession.
Let's see if we can get to the bottom of Mel's hole.
Comments
I would love to see that!
Daniel Reyes
2025-10-16 12:41:32 +0000 UTCI always loved the Mel’s Hole episode!! It’s definitely one of my favorites, and it was one of the episodes that really got me started watching the Why Files. Love it!!!
David Parisi
2025-06-29 02:22:39 +0000 UTCI believe someone sent a drone inside Mel’s hole and it’s quite interesting what you see
Letty
2025-02-18 20:14:19 +0000 UTCI remember this story when I was in there at Central Washington University. We used to go jeeping up on the Manastash. We would always go there and to the north up on to Table Mountain and have camp at Lions Rock. For those who have never been to Ellensburg, go there in the summer (July & August), rent a jeep with at least two spare tires for the volcanic rocks on the trail, and grab a paper map. Bring extra fuel and gear for couple of days. Trust me on this one... the experience is WELL worth your time. It is not only one of the most beautiful places on the planet, it is also one where if you stop long enough to listen, you will be surprised at what you hear. Oh, and yes, you can see Mt. Rainier from Lion's Rock or the top of Manastash Ridge. You can also see an interesting place call Mt. Adams. Bring a spotting scope and patience. You will be amazed at what you see... especially at night.
JohnZ65
2024-06-02 00:34:56 +0000 UTCI agree. They wouldn't.
The Why Files
2022-09-21 00:47:22 +0000 UTCAnd, you may not know the answer to my question - but with as much time as you noted in your video of other personnel being in that area, it is possible to mask Mel's hole for future exploration. Again, animals would not likely be so readily fooled.
AnonHere
2022-09-20 23:11:41 +0000 UTCAJ, I recall that in the video. However, when you showed an area that "could have been" Mel's hole except for it had a clear bottom - THAT area - Did THAT area have any animals go near it? From an engineering perspective, a false bottom could have been created and vegetation would have grown over it. Regardless of the false bottom, animals would have not been fooled and still refused to go to that area.
AnonHere
2022-09-20 23:10:17 +0000 UTCDiscount: LIZZIDPEEPLE for 10% or PATREONLOVE25 for 25% off. :)
The Why Files
2022-09-20 23:08:23 +0000 UTCHA! That fish thinks he is riot!
The Why Files
2022-09-20 23:06:47 +0000 UTCHUGE compliment!
The Why Files
2022-09-20 23:06:20 +0000 UTCGlad you thought so, Jon! I wasn't sure how this one would do.
The Why Files
2022-09-20 23:06:08 +0000 UTCThere is no bigger compliment.
The Why Files
2022-09-20 23:05:54 +0000 UTCSuch a wonderful comment, Alysia! I hope your pops is doing better. Tell him I said hello.
The Why Files
2022-09-20 23:05:39 +0000 UTCAs far as we know, no animals went near the well willingly. Only if dragged / carried. They freaked out.
The Why Files
2022-09-20 23:02:18 +0000 UTCAJ, this was an AWESOME show, and many thanks for keeping your perspectives objective! I have an observation on the "well" that was thought to be Mel's Hole. It would be possible to dig away from the hole, however deep I do not know, then burrow horizontally, and slice through the hole to a reasonable distance on the other side. If this were done for the circumference of the hole, then a fake bottom of the hole could be installed. Question: Were any animals brought to the well to see if they would go close to the well?
AnonHere
2022-09-06 16:19:29 +0000 UTCThat was one of the things I really admired about Art Bell. He was always very kind and respectful to all his guests. The man was a class act.
Alysia Wolf
2022-09-05 18:58:28 +0000 UTCSorry for all the typos, I have some injuries and my thumb doesn't always do what I need it to. Should have edited first.
Kevin Via
2022-09-05 15:19:34 +0000 UTCI got a chance to meet Art a few Times. I've been on a few shows from an incident in 1991. Not only was he amazing,but he cared about the people who came on his show. He heard my story at a Mufon concert(when I was keeping it anonymous)and happened to be at the Table when one of the Mufon people who knew, looked at me and said, "You know you would be great if you would just tell it yourself." Art approached me that night, bought me a few drinks and after a long talk of trying to get me to go on said to me, "Listen, It's important to me to get your story out, but if being low profile is important to you, don't do my show, you will be famous." So I didn't do his show. Eventually after the TicTac incident I allowed my name out there. But I always respected Art for caring more about my personal wants than a sound bite. So not just a radio host, but a real human!
Kevin Via
2022-09-05 15:18:14 +0000 UTCThroughly loved this episode!!!’ I’m a huge Art Bell fan (cried like a baby when I learned he died). I vividly remember listening to Art Bell’s show on this subject. The man had an amazing talent to keep the listener engaged. AJ, you most decidedly have that same talent with The Why Files channel. From your ability to tell the story, give your rebuttal and opinion in the end, and of course your sidekick Hecklefish, you have hooked me as a viewer hook, line and sinker. Haha Keep up the great work. I get so tired of the unoriginal junk that is all over YouTube. Your channel is a breath of fresh air and truly engages my inquisitive and ADHD brain. My dad also got hooked to your channel when he was in the hospital a couple of weeks ago with heart attack/heart failure. We watched episodes together and it gave us both a break from the fear and stress that situation had provided.
Alysia Wolf
2022-09-03 13:41:02 +0000 UTCGreat Episode awesome work. The Why files are the Art Bell of today.
TC
2022-09-02 13:57:21 +0000 UTCBest episode so far in my opinion!
Jon Daniels
2022-09-01 21:33:07 +0000 UTCLast comment I swear. I’m almost 30 years old and I have four small kids. That’s not something I normally put out on the Internet, except to say that I have almost no time and I still make time to watch this channel because of how freaking amazing it is.
Jon Daniels
2022-09-01 21:32:46 +0000 UTCAlso am I the only one that noticed that this is the third video the last week? Keep it up AJ. I’m sure this is a sign that you are going to be able to do this full-time very soon if you’re not doing it already! Love this channel. Best on YouTube in my opinion.
Jon Daniels
2022-09-01 21:31:43 +0000 UTC"Out of his depth!" You are good sir. Growing up with quite an interest in the mysterious and uncanny, I absolutely love hearing undiscovered stories for the first time. This is one of the best. "Out of his depth!" Four words never used to describe that fish in a shallow bowl.
Don and Liam O'Mara
2022-09-01 15:31:56 +0000 UTCThanks aJ
Kevin Via
2022-09-01 14:16:07 +0000 UTCOk another question from a clueless computer person here. You gave me the link in youtube for the merch picked out a few things, but do I need a code or something for the 1 time discount or does it come after a month or something. I actually have 2 youtube accounts, 1 for our business, so my patreon is not linked to youtube. I'll mess around with it to see if it's possible. I'll probably just order some stuff anyway to support you, as it's obvious how hard you work at this, but I still love my discount eventually.
Kevin Via
2022-09-01 14:15:59 +0000 UTCGreat video! Just joined and got a shirt and some stickers.
Tony Zolina III
2022-09-01 08:12:52 +0000 UTCStephen was very quick to point it out! He’s not often traditionally romantic, but it’s things like that, that remind me he’s romantic in his own way. Thank you 🤗
Grace Cupcake
2022-09-01 04:57:27 +0000 UTCI tried to tell you, us Canadians can’t buy anything 😭doesn’t ship to us. It breaks my heart.
Julie “Here for the WF” McLean
2022-09-01 03:08:36 +0000 UTCMasterclass indeed, both the story and your storytelling technique. thank you. Nice new out-tro, by the way.
WKC 852
2022-09-01 03:08:14 +0000 UTCIt's a decent watch, but a bit heavy on the melodrama, as noted before. But, it is a story concerning an accidental death, the mysterious hole, a strange girl and the family life of Brolin's character after encountering said hole.
Elak Swindell
2022-09-01 01:36:11 +0000 UTCThe claim by von Däniken of a metallic library with inscriptions from an unknown language that explorers, including Stan Hall and Neil Armstrong, were never able to find. The problem may have been that there are many caves called "Cave of the Tayos" named after the birds that inhabit them (or used to inhabit them)... maybe they were looking in the wrong one ; )
Catherine Nunkai
2022-09-01 00:37:02 +0000 UTCAlso on a similar note - would love to see you tackle the original War of the Worlds broadcast. I think it would be news to your other “youngster” audience ;)
Kaelin
2022-09-01 00:32:08 +0000 UTCAhahah I actually hadn’t!!! I knew Art Bell obv, mostly because of my radio days (and the book he cowrote that The Day After Tomorrow was based on, can’t remember the name…) but I was super thrilled to see him featured in this one. Made my lil inner DJ smile 🥲
Kaelin
2022-09-01 00:30:10 +0000 UTCThis one was b a n a n a s! Did you see your dedication in the credits, young lady?
The Why Files
2022-09-01 00:12:36 +0000 UTCThanks Michael.
The Why Files
2022-09-01 00:12:02 +0000 UTC🐠😉
The Why Files
2022-09-01 00:11:56 +0000 UTCGlad you like this one, Ed.
The Why Files
2022-09-01 00:11:41 +0000 UTCYeah that was crazy. And it gets weirder and weirder...
The Why Files
2022-09-01 00:11:22 +0000 UTCSame. 😊
The Why Files
2022-09-01 00:11:06 +0000 UTCI see what you did there.
The Why Files
2022-09-01 00:10:54 +0000 UTCWhat the heck is down there, Mark??
The Why Files
2022-09-01 00:10:48 +0000 UTCHa!
The Why Files
2022-09-01 00:10:41 +0000 UTCGreat minds think alike, Jamie!
The Why Files
2022-09-01 00:10:36 +0000 UTCLol.
Seth Forrestier
2022-09-01 00:10:25 +0000 UTCI'm glad I could bring a little something extra, Mike.
The Why Files
2022-09-01 00:10:17 +0000 UTCZing!
The Why Files
2022-09-01 00:10:01 +0000 UTCWe are of one mind, Bill!
The Why Files
2022-09-01 00:09:58 +0000 UTCWow! Glad you liked that one, Jenny!
The Why Files
2022-09-01 00:09:49 +0000 UTCIf I inspire you to Google, I have done my job.
The Why Files
2022-09-01 00:09:40 +0000 UTCAwww... the treat is your comment, Julie. 🙏❤
The Why Files
2022-09-01 00:09:22 +0000 UTCIt sure does!
The Why Files
2022-09-01 00:09:10 +0000 UTCI don't know this one Elak! Gotta check it out.
The Why Files
2022-09-01 00:08:55 +0000 UTC❤🙏
The Why Files
2022-09-01 00:08:39 +0000 UTCGlad you like this one, Rv. One of my favorites.
The Why Files
2022-09-01 00:08:23 +0000 UTCYou're awesome WTF. Did you buy that t-shirt yet?? https://shop.thewhyfiles.com/products/hecklefish-spirit-animal-tee
The Why Files
2022-09-01 00:08:05 +0000 UTCThere was nobody better.
The Why Files
2022-09-01 00:07:24 +0000 UTCThanks Leaf. I hope this was a new one.
The Why Files
2022-09-01 00:07:16 +0000 UTCHAYOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
The Why Files
2022-09-01 00:07:06 +0000 UTCTreasure in those caves?
The Why Files
2022-09-01 00:06:59 +0000 UTCSure would be nice to have pictures.
The Why Files
2022-09-01 00:06:31 +0000 UTCHave you heard this one before, youngster???
The Why Files
2022-09-01 00:06:05 +0000 UTCOne of my favorite Art Bell classics.
The Why Files
2022-09-01 00:05:53 +0000 UTCWas this a new one for you?
The Why Files
2022-09-01 00:05:37 +0000 UTCFantastic research. Thank you so much. Always very interesting.
Etaoin Carson
2022-08-31 23:56:35 +0000 UTCWhat did I say? This one hits home, I worked in a part of Alaska where I specifically was able to listen to Cost to Coat every night. I heard a couple parts of the story but it never made an impact on me like it did know. Thank you for bringing this to life.
Eric Kimmel
2022-08-31 22:47:51 +0000 UTCThis one was dope as hell. Well done 👏🏼
Kaelin
2022-08-31 18:17:15 +0000 UTCThis is pitty how much of it is just "he said" ... and not even a picture. Which makes it crazy and interesting, but - just a story ...
Špenát & Markéta
2022-08-31 16:42:42 +0000 UTCIt would be interesting to hear you discuss the Cave of the Tayos in Ecuador
Catherine Nunkai
2022-08-31 14:41:18 +0000 UTC"Mel's Bottomless Hole" reminds me of a girl I dated in high school!
Brains Ironically
2022-08-31 11:36:51 +0000 UTCgreat story
leaf Howell
2022-08-31 11:33:20 +0000 UTCGreat story… Art Bell was a legend and like you said the master story teller.
Patch
2022-08-31 08:53:11 +0000 UTCI love this channel. HeckleFish is my spirit animal.
Whiskey Tango-Foxtrot
2022-08-31 06:15:35 +0000 UTCNow that was a fun one! Art Bell is the master story teller like all radio people. Thanks AJ and HF.
Rvator
2022-08-31 05:29:35 +0000 UTCHeard about this years ago on Art Bell. But never heard the story about the 2nd hole. As always you get more of the facts to complete the story. Well done.
Miketpi
2022-08-31 04:23:41 +0000 UTCTalk about a hole in one...
C.D. Strahle
2022-08-31 02:06:39 +0000 UTCAJ, we're on the same bandwidth on many of your videos - thank you!
Bill Brower
2022-08-31 01:44:16 +0000 UTCLiterally the best story I've ever heard! Thanks you guys/fish!
Jenny Peters
2022-08-31 01:26:47 +0000 UTCThat was a fun one. I was compelled to google it.
Seth Forrestier
2022-08-31 00:24:12 +0000 UTCLove this!! What a treat today!
Julie “Here for the WF” McLean
2022-08-31 00:17:18 +0000 UTC"Glitch in the Matrix" this works in Simulation theory.
Matt Curley
2022-08-31 00:07:17 +0000 UTCI really believe the recent Josh Brolin show "Outer Range" was based on this story since it also deals with a big hole out on his expansive property that takes anything you throw in it. His character was even pushed in, came out in the future by a week or so, and had to quickly jump back due to the aggressive crowd waiting there. He regained consciousness in the present time, not changed much from the experience over than having his mind opened. I never finished watching the episodes since there was too much melodrama in the scripting.
Elak Swindell
2022-08-30 23:23:45 +0000 UTCJust for us???? 🥰🥰🥰🥰 Thanks AJ!!!
Victoria
2022-08-30 23:20:06 +0000 UTCI can relate to Hecklefish’s sailor mouth while watching this video… a fetal seal?!?!? WTFFFFFFFFFF
Grace Cupcake
2022-08-30 23:11:33 +0000 UTCGreat vid mate 👍
Michael Considine
2022-08-30 23:08:50 +0000 UTCBelter that one 🙌🏻🤘🏻🙉🙈🙊
John Reynolds
2022-08-30 22:27:39 +0000 UTCAnother great one AJ, thank you.
Ed E
2022-08-30 22:24:13 +0000 UTC"Yeah man, that hole is crazy. Threw my dog down after it died." Had to rewind that part to make sure I heard correctly haha
Crazy Dave
2022-08-30 22:09:24 +0000 UTC"Lizid people" never fails to give me a little gig, not quite a full giggle, but a reliable gig.
Liz C
2022-08-30 22:02:15 +0000 UTCOh man, who doesn't love a bottomless hole?
Nathan Pyle
2022-08-30 21:51:35 +0000 UTCLike the hole in my pocket I can’t seem to explain. Lol
Mark william lane
2022-08-30 21:47:46 +0000 UTCi can hear Hecklefish already!!! wow mamacita!!!
73chn05h4m4n
2022-08-30 21:32:50 +0000 UTCYESSSSA! I suggested this the other day. I had no idea you were already working on it. Awesome.
Jamie Sexton
2022-08-30 21:27:59 +0000 UTC
