This heavily used trail passes numerous lakes prior to its connection with the Pacific Crest Trail. It begins along Road 65 and climbs gently as it passes through a dense forest, coming to Dee, Thomas, and Heather Lakes at approximately 0.6 mile. The trail climbs to a meadow, then continues past Brader Lake and Naha Lake to Rock Lake and Little Rock Lake. It then turns south and passes Lake Umtux. As the trail continues through the broad plateau meadow, it passes numerous unnamed ponds and tiny lakes. The trail descends into the timber, passing Lake Sahalee Tyee, and ends at Blue Lake with the junction of the Pacific Crest Trail.

Lake Sahalee Tyee lies in the shallow crater of an old volcano. This is an area where Native Americans built slow-burning fires in trenches, preserving berries for later use by drying them over the radiant heat.

See overview map or detailed map.

The Thomas Lake trail passes many lakes which are:Dee Lake, Thomas Lake, Heather Lake, Eunice Lake, Brader Lake, Lake Naha, Rock Lake, Lake Umtux, Lake Sahalee Tyee, and many scenic meadows.