The park's swimming pool is a former sandstone quarry that was flooded to create a unique naturalized swimming area.
Sandstone quarried from this site was used to construct several prominent buildings in Olympia and throughout the Pacific Northwest.
The park serves as a major trailhead for the 14.5-mile Yelm-Tenino Trail, built on a former rail line.
The city of Tenino operates a unique 'wooden money' currency system, and the park often hosts activities related to the town's historical preservation efforts.
The quarry water is cold year-round due to its depth and natural spring-fed composition.
Tenino City Park is a 12-acre municipal park featuring a naturally fed stone swimming quarry that serves as the centerpiece of the grounds. The quarry pool is historically significant, originally functioning as a sandstone excavation site for the Tenino Stone Company in the early 20th century. The park infrastructure includes a playground, picnic shelters, and direct access to the Yelm-Tenino Trail, a paved rail-trail corridor. A dedicated area for RV and tent camping is located on-site, managed by the City of Tenino. The grounds incorporate historic sandstone blocks salvaged from the local quarrying industry. The park is situated within the city limits and provides a hub for local community events and seasonal recreation.
The wooden footbridge spanning the quarry provides the best vantage point for capturing the water and surrounding sandstone cliffs.
Bring water shoes for the quarry, as the bottom consists of natural stone and can be uneven.
Check the City of Tenino's official municipal portal for current water quality testing results before swimming.
Visit the Yelm-Tenino Trail section within the park for a flat, accessible walk through the surrounding woodlands.
Do not attempt to climb on the historic sandstone rock faces surrounding the quarry, as they are fragile and pose a safety risk.
The quarry swimming area is seasonal and typically closed during the autumn, winter, and spring months.
Respect posted swimming area boundaries and keep pets on a leash at all times in accordance with municipal code.
