GUNUNG · Samoa Amerika (AS)

Matafao Peak

Matafao Peak (Matafao)

Matafao Peak, Tutuila, Samoa Amerika — foto National Park Service (domain publik, via Wikimedia Commons). Photo: source

Information

Elevation: 653 m
Country: Samoa Amerika (AS) (AS)
Location / Range: Pulau Tutuila, Samoa Amerika; kawasan puncak berstatus National Natural Landmark (Matafao Peak National Natural Landmark)
Mountain type: Sumbat vulkanik trakit / trachyte volcanic plug
Volcanic?: Yes — volcano
Coordinates: -14.2997, -170.7025
Difficulty: Berat: jalur kasar dan punggungan curam; NPS menyarankan pemandu / Strenuous: rough trail and steep ridge; NPS recommends a guide
Best Season: Juni–September relatif lebih sejuk dan kering; hujan tetap mungkin / June–September is relatively cooler and drier; rain remains possible
Permits & Rules: Jalur berada di tanah pribadi; pemulihan NPS pada 2021 mendapat persetujuan pemilik. NPS menyarankan pemandu; periksa akses terkini setempat / The trail crosses private land; its 2021 NPS restoration had owner approval. NPS recommends a guide; check current access locally
Hazards: Lumpur, lereng curam, punggungan sempit, jejak tertutup vegetasi, panas dan awan puncak / Mud, steep slopes, narrow ridges, overgrown trail, heat and summit cloud

Description

Matafao Peak (653 m) is the highest summit on Tutuila, American Samoa. Its trachyte volcanic plug rises above Pago Pago Harbor and is a National Natural Landmark. The NPS guide describes a rough trail near Fagasa Pass and recommends a guide. Older trip reports describe a hidden entrance ladder, narrow ridges and steep final scrambling; the present condition of that equipment is unconfirmed. Clouds can obscure harbor views. June–September is relatively drier, but trail conditions need checking locally. A September 2021 report records NPS restoring the trail on private land with owner approval and installing 259 plastic rungs and ropes; that report does not establish current equipment condition or access.

Gallery

Foto bersumber dari Wikimedia Commons — klik untuk memperbesar & lihat sumbernya.

Routes

Fagasa Pass → Puncak Matafao (pulang-pergi / return)

Berat; pemandu disarankan / Strenuous; guide recommended

The official NPS guide locates the rough summit trail near Fagasa Pass and recommends a guide. Check access and trail conditions with the visitor center before departure. This guide does not specify a hiking distance or duration.

Source

Climbing Experiences

Firsthand accounts describe a steep, muddy tropical climb with occasional route-finding difficulties. A 2009 account records a clouded summit and slow descent, while 2015 trip photographs show harbor views in clear weather. Older reports help explain the terrain but do not establish the current condition of ladders or ropes. A sailors’ account published in 2004 adds observations of flying foxes near the summit and a memorable rainforest climb.

References

The summary above is compiled from the following sources. Click to explore them yourself.