A native Washingtonian, Chad Christian Clift grew up hiking the many trails near his childhood home in Mossy Rock, Washington, on the Olympic Peninsula, home to the Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park, and many natural areas leading to Puget Sound on the east, and the Pacific Ocean on the west. Clift left the area after high school but returned to open his own restaurant in his hometown, and he continues to hike through the area with his son Terry whenever possible. Here are three items Clift always brings with him on his natural adventures:
- Water. Even if you hike in wet areas like the Hoh Rainforest like Chad Christian Clift, you’ll always need to bring plenty of water with you. It’s important to stay hydrated and bring more than enough water for your planned hike in case you have to spend more time in the bush than expected.
- Binoculars. Chad Christian Clift always brings a pair of binoculars with him wherever he goes hiking. They are lightweight, easy to pack, and they allow him to spot wildlife more easily. Seeing wildlife is a large part of the reasons why Clift and so many other hikers around the world go outdoors.
- Snacks. Food is sometimes risky to bring on shorter hikes because it could attract unwanted animals in certain areas. Still, if you get stranded, it could be the difference between life and death. Just make sure you store your food smartly and always pack out your trash.
Chad Christian Clift is the owner of Swanky’s in Mossy Rock.
Chad Christian Clift 