Hiking is one of the best ways to appreciate Guam's natural attractions. Many of Guam's beautiful waterfalls, pristine beaches, unique caves, historic sites and vista points are found at the end of hiking trails, and visitors who set off in search of them will explore parts of the island less populated with tourists.

These hikes offer a wide range of experiences, from extremely easy trails of less than a mile to moderate and difficult mountain treks that can take half a day or longer to complete.

Many of Guam�s best hikes are described in �The Best Tracks on Guam,� a book by Dave Lotz, the leading authority on hiking in Guam and Micronesia.

"People can hike on their own, provided they carry a U.S.G.S. (United States Geological Survey) map, available at the Faith Book Store in Hagat�a, and a good guidebook," says Lotz. "For newcomers to Guam, I recommend taking a couple of hikes first with friends or with the �Boonie Stomps� (a weekly hike coordinated by the Parks & Recreation Department), to become familiar with hiking on the island.�

One hike recommended by Lotz is the trek to Tarzan Falls, one of Guam's more than 20 waterfalls. He rates the trail as moderate in difficulty. Hikers will be rewarded by a series of five falls cascading into a clear, four-foot pool that provides a cool soak after a long walk.

Another waterfall, Malojloj Falls, near the southeastern tip of the island, is accessible via a very short, easy trail of less than half a mile. The 25-foot falls tumble into a deep pool set in a forest glen of bamboo, mango and other trees. Malojloj Falls are scenic, but the muddy waters are less suitable for swimming.

Sella Bay, within the Guam Territorial Seashore Park, is accessible only on foot, by way of a 1.5-mile hike beginning south of the town of Agat. The bay has good corals and underwater caves, making it excellent for swimming and snorkeling. Hikers will discover ancient latte stones and pottery shards, which are all that remain of Sidya, a Chamorro village deserted nearly 200 years ago.

Those interested in World War II history may want to take the more strenuous, six-mile hike to Sigua Falls and the Tank Farm, in Guam�s central highlands. The 100-foot Sigua Falls drop into a pool that is approximately 50 feet in diameter and ten feet deep. The pool is excellent for swimming, and a picnic area is located adjacent to the falls. Near Sigua Falls is the Tank Farm, where two Sherman tanks and three amphibious tractors were used as target practice during the war.

A more moderate walk, near Nimitz Hill outside of Asan, will take history enthusiasts to the ruins of the Libugon Radio Station, built in 1917 and later used by the Allies to intercept Japanese communications during World War II.

An easier walking tour, just outside of Hagatna, leads to the Piti Guns, Japanese guns in their original locations at what is now the War in the Pacific National Historical Park. After reaching the first gun, walkers can traverse the ridge to the other guns and enjoy a panoramic view of the village of Piti, its offshore reef and Cabras Island.

To check out an even older historic site, hikers can head for Gadao's Cave near the village of Inarajan. The easy walk of less than half a mile leads to the cave, which contains ancient petroglyphs telling of the exploits of Chief Gadao, a legendary Chamorro leader.

To see Guam�s most interesting cave system, adventurous hikers can trek to Talafofo Caves near the village of Talafofo. The site of archaeology and pictograph findings, these caves are limestone rock formations containing many stalactites and sinkholes. This hike is for more adventurous travelers, according to Lotz, due to jagged rocks and numerous drop-offs on the trails and at the scenic vistas.

The best months for hiking are during the dry season from December through March, when the air is cooled by tradewinds and temperatures are slightly lower. Because Guam�s weather is tropical, hikers may want to consider morning adventures, beginning at 9 a.m. or earlier. Some hikes in Guam involve reef walks, so those who wish to explore coastal areas should consult the tide tables beforehand.

Those who prefer to walk in the company of others, or have experienced hikers leading the way, will want to check out the Department of Parks and Recreation�s �Boonie Stomps,� a weekly hiking program. The trips leave each Saturday at 9 a.m. from the Paseo Recreation Building in Hagatna. The cost is $2 per person.

�Boonie Stomps� cover a variety of trails that range from easy to very difficult, leading to waterfalls, caves, mountains, isolated beaches or latte stone sights. The hikes are led by Lotz and a team of volunteers. For more information, contact the Community Program Section of the Department of Parks and Recreation at (671) 472-2887 or (671)477-8280, or visit www.admin.gov.gu/dpr/boonie/home.html.

ABOUT GUAM Situated in the Western Pacific approximately 1,550 miles south of Japan and 3,800 miles west of Hawaii, Guam provides beautiful and uncrowded beaches, world-class diving and snorkeling, and a variety of cultural and historical sites, activities and events. Its geographic location makes Guam the gateway to Micronesia and, with excellent air service to cities throughout Asia, a convenient stop-over point for trans-Pacific travelers.

More information about Guam, its hotels and attractions can be obtained by contacting the North American Office of the Guam Visitors Bureau, 1301 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 210, Alameda, Calif. 94501, (800) 873-4826/(800-US-3-GUAM) or e-mail guam@avisoinc.com. Or, visit the Guam Web site at www.visitguam.org.

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For media information, contact: Dianne Newton-Shaw Guam Visitors Bureau (800) 873-4826 (9 a.m. - 5 p.m. PT) di@avisoinc.com