that starts next to Kagman Elementary School and winds its way up to the top of an upraised coral
reef flat. At the end of the road there is a small camping area and a lookout.
For some, driving up the steep road and looking at the island from the lookout will be enough, but
for the adventurous, the option of hiking down the steep cliff to the island is available.
The trail down to Forbidden Island Beach starts about 50 meters before the end of the road. It is
marked with a green sign that reads "Conservation Area." You can park your car at the camp site or
in the grass next to the trail head.
The trail is well worn and very easy to follow. The only time you might get confused is when a small
sidepath leads down to another lookout. If you take a wrong turn and find yourself standing on the
edge of a cliff, just turn around and go back down the other path (a good rule of thumb is to keep
heading towards your right side).
Eventually you'll get to a part of the trail that is worn right into sandstone. This part of the trail turns
into a river when it rains heavily. This has carved ravines into the face of the cliff, so it can be a little
tricky climbing down, even when it is dry. The main threat comes from the soil crumbling beneath
your feet and slipping and/or kicking rocks down onto the people below you.
Once you reach the beach be mindful of the Marine Protected Area rules and the rough surf. You
can hike to the top of the island, go swimming in the swimming hole, explore an underwater cave, or
just sit on the deserted beach and bake in the sun.
For more info on Forbidden Island CLICK HERE
The Coral Reef Public Awareness in Saipan Project is supported by a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |
