Mount Finkol

Finkol rises to around six hundred and thirty metres in the middle of Kosrae and is the island's highest point, climbed on a route through rainforest that is steep, muddy and roped in places, taking several hours each way. The ridge Kosraeans call the Sleeping Lady is formed by this and the neighbouring peaks. Cloud sits on the summit most days and the view is not reliable. Kosrae is small enough that the mountain is visible from almost anywhere on the island, which makes the climb feel shorter than it is.

What's there

• The summit - around six hundred and thirty metres, the island's high point.
• The Sleeping Lady - the ridge profile the mountain forms with its neighbours.
• The rainforest climb - a steep muddy route with rope sections.
• The cloud forest - the permanently wet growth near the top.

When to go

December to March is the drier season. The summit is in cloud on most days year round. Heavy rain makes the descent dangerous.

What to expect

The climb is hard, wet and muddy throughout, and a guide is required. Cloud usually closes the view. There are no facilities and no rescue capability.

Nearby

Menke is southwest, and Tofol is east.

Key facts