Pagat Cave and Point

Pagat on Guam's northeastern coast was a Chamorro village occupied for centuries before European contact, and the trail down the cliff passes latte stone pillars, pottery scatters and grinding stones among the trees before reaching a cave holding a pool of clear fresh water. The point beyond opens onto the Pacific with waves breaking hard on the limestone. It is a site with real cultural weight locally.

History

The Pagat site is a large archaeological area: besides the latte stone house sites, it holds artefacts older than the latte period, refuse middens, stone mortars and grinding places, and rock shelters, and excavations have found pottery, fish hooks, stone tools and weapons, beads and several burials. It was listed on the US National Register of Historic Places in 1974, and its use and protection have long been argued over locally (Wikipedia, Pagat Site).

What you'll find

• The latte stones - the pillars of the ancient village among the trees.
• The cave pool - clear fresh water in the limestone chamber.
• The point - the cliff edge with the Pacific breaking below.
• The village remains - pottery and grinding stones on the site.

When to go

December to June is the drier season. The trail is slippery after rain. Mornings are cooler for the climb back up.

Things to know

The trail is steep and rough in both directions. The site is culturally significant and artefacts must not be moved or taken. Swimming in the cave pool is discouraged to protect the water.

Nearby

Marbo Cave is south, and Tagachang is southeast.