Quarry Pool

Quarry Pool gives you creek swimming access near Olympia in Washington. Expect a natural bank, not a built beach. Carved from the living rock by quarry workers more than a century ago, this extraordinary sandstone basin now holds cool, clear water fed by Squire Creek. A place where industrial history and natural beauty have merged into something genuinely unforgettable. Towering walls of pale golden sandstone rise around the pool on multiple sides, worn smooth by decades of water and weather into sweeping curves and dramatic ledges. The stone catches the summer light in warm amber tones, giving the whole scene the feel of a secret canyon dropped into the forests of western Washington. Ferns and mosses creep along the rock faces where moisture lingers, softening the industrial edges and reminding you that nature has been slowly reclaiming this place. Squire Creek keeps the water refreshingly cool even during the peak summer months of June through August, when the pool draws families, swimmers, and day-trippers from Olympia and beyond. The sandstone walls provide natural shelter from the wind, creating a surprisingly warm and sun-soaked atmosphere poolside even when temperatures elsewhere are mild. No lifeguards patrol Quarry Pool. Facilities are limited, so judge depth, current, and weather when you arrive.

Quarry Pool works well as a day trip from Olympia or Tenino. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Pair the swim with a stop at Lowell Johnson Park (about 23 mi away) or browse more Washington creek spots in our directory. For the full list in Washington, see our state directory.

Access is via Tenino City Park. A small fee is required for pool entry. Parking is free within the park. Facilities include restrooms, picnic areas, and a playground.

The Quarry Pool is rooted in Tenino’s history as a sandstone quarrying town, reflecting the community’s ability to adapt and preserve its industrial heritage.

Visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles, including packing out trash and respecting local wildlife habitats. The park prioritizes environmental stewardship.