Quarry Pool

There are swimming holes, and then there are places that stop you in your tracks before you've even gotten your feet wet. Quarry Pool, tucked inside Tenino City Park in the small town of Tenino, is firmly in the second category. 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.

The Setting: Sandstone Walls and Sunlit Water

The moment you arrive, the landscape announces itself. 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. The water itself reflects the sky and the stone in equal measure — clear and cold, pooling with the unhurried calm of a place that has seen generations come to cool off.

Swimming at Quarry Pool

Stepping into the water, you'll feel the immediate, clarifying chill that only a creek-fed pool can deliver on a hot Pacific Northwest afternoon. 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. The setting is gentle and accessible — well-maintained pathways lead to the water's edge, and the easy terrain makes this an ideal destination for families with young children or anyone who prefers a relaxed, unhurried swimming experience. Picnic areas and a playground sit nearby, so the day stretches naturally from a swim into a full afternoon in the park.

Plan Your Visit

Quarry Pool is an officially sanctioned swimming area within Tenino City Park, and a small fee is charged for entry. Full facilities are available on site, including picnic areas and a playground, making it easy to spend several hours here. There is no camping at the park, so you'll want to arrange lodging in one of the nearby towns. Tenino itself is a charming, historic small town worth exploring before or after your swim, and the Washington State Capitol city of Olympia sits just 15 miles to the north, offering a full range of restaurants, accommodations, and cultural attractions. If you visit outside of peak summer, you'll find the pool area quieter in spring and early fall, and the dramatic sandstone formations take on an entirely different character in winter light — well worth a visit even when swimming isn't on the agenda.

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.