Oregon Field Guide assembles its largest, most complex expedition ever to take you on an unparalleled adventure of discovery. They travel deep into the wilderness to explore and bring back the first images of a hidden geologic wonder right here in Oregon.
On a second scouting trip, the team, including OPB videographer Michael Bendixen, right, explored a “top-side” route to the terminal waterfall at the top of the Valhalla canyon.
Uncage The Soul / OPB
After hiking to the top of the close to 100-foot waterfall, the scouting team looked down and discovered a second waterfall. It came from a separate stream, converging at the same spot as the other waterfall. Jared Smith and John Waller scrambled down the steep hillside to the base of these falls and named the place “Shangri-La.”
Uncage The Soul / OPB
The safety and rigging team, Jared Smith, left, and Mike Williams, right, stand below the waterfall nicknamed "NE Shangri-La."
Uncage The Soul / OPB
The stream that forms the Valhalla canyon merges with another nearby stream to create a glade with two waterfalls that have been nicknamed “Shangri-La.”
Uncage The Soul / OPB
OPB videographer Michael Bendixen leads the expedition group of 11 volunteers, 11 crew and two subjects working in three basic teams: Canyon, Top-Side and Story. The Valhalla expedition began on July 27, 2015.
Uncage The Soul / OPB
A slot canyon is casually defined as more narrow than tall. Sean Malone, left, and Mike Malone, right, stand at a point in the canyon where it is only two arm spans wide.
Uncage The Soul / OPB
Water rushes past Jared Smith, the lead on safety and rigging.
Uncage The Soul / OPB
Specialty camera operator Ben Canales stands in the Valhalla canyon.
Uncage The Soul / OPB
Some of the team members made camp in a steep and narrow portion of the Valhalla canyon nicknamed "Cathedral Gardens."
Uncage The Soul / OPB
The crew's laundry adds dashes of bright colors to the lush canyon.
John Waller / Uncage The Soul / OPB
Mike Williams, the safety and rigging lead, dangles below one of the canyon's many waterfalls.
Uncage The Soul / OPB
An estimated 40-foot waterfall tumbles into the Valhalla canyon. The crew discovered more than 25 waterfalls in the canyon — some close to 100 feet tall.
Uncage The Soul / OPB
After five scouting trips in total (three with Oregon Field Guide), the crew wraps up its final three-day excursion in the Valhalla slot canyon.
Don’t miss the latest election news. Each morning, our daily “First Look” newsletter brings you top stories on politics, culture and more from around the Northwest.
