Max's Shortcut and Larry Reed Trail

The most common access point for this area is near the Samish Overlook, which typically has parking available. This trail often serves as a connector within the larger Blanchard Forest Block system, so various starting points are possible depending on your planned route.

Yes, a Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to state parks and recreation lands, including Blanchard State Forest. You can purchase one online or at various vendors throughout Washington.

Yes, the trails within Blanchard State Forest are generally dog-friendly. However, dogs must be kept on a leash at all times to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all users.

This trail is accessible year-round. While spring brings wildflowers and autumn offers vibrant foliage, many hikers report it to be snow-free even in early February, making it a great option for off-season hiking. Clear days offer the best views from overlooks.

The terrain is varied. Max's Shortcut begins with an initial steep climb, but then generally mellows out. The Larry Reed Trail features a soft, duff-covered path through dense pine and fir forests. You'll traverse through evergreen forests and areas of recent clear-cuts. While generally well-maintained, some sections, especially within larger loops, can be steeper, narrower, and rockier. Muddy sections can be encountered, particularly around Lily Lake and in ravine areas.

Hikers can enjoy lush evergreen forests, beautiful lakes like Lily Lake and Lizard Lake, and glimpses of old-growth stumps. From viewpoints such as Samish Overlook, Oyster Dome, and North Butte, you'll be treated to expansive vistas of the Salish Sea, the Skagit Delta, and even Mount Baker on clear days. Depending on the season, a variety of wildflowers can also be observed.

Yes, this route is a key connector within the extensive Blanchard Forest Block trail system. It serves as an excellent link between other popular trails, including the Oyster Dome Trail, Pacific Northwest Trail 03 Washington, Lily Lizard Trail, and the Samish Bay Trail, allowing for various loop hikes of different lengths and challenges.

The specific segment of Max's Shortcut and Larry Reed Trail is approximately 4.7 km (2.9 miles) and can take around 1 hour 20 minutes to complete. However, as it's often used as part of larger loops, your total hiking time will vary significantly depending on the overall route you choose.

While the initial climb on Max's Shortcut can be steep, the trail generally mellows out, and the soft, duff-covered paths of Larry Reed Trail are pleasant. Many loops incorporating these trails are rated moderate, making them manageable for families with some hiking experience and appropriate footwear. The diverse scenery and viewpoints offer engaging experiences for all ages.

Be prepared for an initial steep climb on Max's Shortcut. While the trail is generally in good condition, some sections can be muddy, so appropriate footwear is recommended. Given its role as a connector, planning your full loop in advance is advisable to match your desired distance and difficulty. Arriving early, especially on weekends, can help secure parking at popular trailheads like Samish Overlook.

You'll be hiking through dense evergreen forests, home to various forest creatures, though direct sightings can be elusive. The area is rich in plant life, including a variety of wildflowers such as buttercups, lilies-of-the-valley, star flowers, foam flowers, bunchberries, blackberries, thimbleberries, and columbines, especially in spring and early summer. You'll also notice old-growth stumps, remnants of the forest's history.