Marten Buttes Falls… Several of us explored this falls 7-weeks ago, then backing off because of the heavy flow, cold temps, and the breezy conditions. It was a valuable trip in that we were able to see enough to plan another outing to descend this beast.
This past Sunday was a perfect weather day to get the first descent of Marten Buttes Falls. The flow was low, but in my opinion, the flow was perfect for these serious first drops. 490’ in three drops. 170’ + 100’ + 220’. Considering that the top of these are set back form the top, stepping down three small drops before shooting out like a fire-hose and falling to the middle ledge, I’d consider this a two tier falls. The top tier being 200’-230’ including the small drops at the top. The second tier is a vertical 220’, right off the ledge.
The team…Karl & Keith.
Our first rap was just west of the top of the falls, which took us directly into the bottom of the top tier…where we set up another anchor to get us the last 100’ to the top of the second tier. The third rap was off a large ledge directly in the flow and pretty much vertical all 220’. Even though the flow was low, it was a shower the whole way down. No need for gloves with this water cooled device
Sure glad I don’t have to do that thrashy slog of an approach again…unless I want to.
Final thoughts…I really do think that including the few steps at the top, Marten Buttes Falls is all of 420’ to 450’ tall.
The approach gully…not so fun with all the gear we were packing…
Along the way you can see the French Dip drainage (dark line), Dome Rock, the Pinnacle, and Cave Rock…
Looking up the first 170′ rap. Early to mid Spring this area will be showered on by the firehose from the upper falls…
Looking down the next 100′ rap…early to mid Spring you will be in the flow here…
Another look at the French Dip Drainage, and Dome Rock above…
Keith on the 100′ rap down to the large ledge, top of the lower tier
Looking up at the upper tier. Early to mid Spring there is a firehose flow coming over the edge that fans out before hitting the bottom.
Keith out on the ledge as I finish the 100′ rap into a small pool below…
Looking back up the 270′ of rapping down to the ledge. Notice the red “XX” at the top, that’s where our anchor was.
Reaching out as far as I could looking straight down the 220′ rap to the bottom of the second tier…
Nice line…a shower the whole way down…
Kieth in the shower…
Last look at the 220′ bottom tier…
