The distinctive potholes were formed during the last glacial period when sub-glacial meltwater drilled circular holes into the basalt bedrock.
The park acts as a critical spawning ground for Chinook, Coho, and Chum salmon.
The site was once the location of the Sooke River Hotel, which burned down in the 1960s; remnants of old stone foundations are still visible.
The Galloping Goose Trail, which runs through the park, was originally built in 1920 as a railway line to transport lumber and passengers.
The park is managed through a partnership between BC Parks and the Capital Regional District.
Sooke Potholes Provincial Park is defined by deep, polished rock pools carved into the bedrock of the Sooke River by glacial action. The landscape features diverse topography ranging from the river gorge to mature second-growth forests. It serves as a popular regional site for swimming, hiking, and rock climbing along the canyon walls. The park provides access to the Galloping Goose Regional Trail, a converted railway line. Visitors utilize the riverbank for access to the potholes, which vary in depth and current speed. The area is located within the traditional territory of the T'Sou-ke First Nation. Forest cover consists primarily of Douglas fir, Western hemlock, and Western red cedar. The site is a central hub for observing the annual salmon run during autumn months. Infrastructure includes designated parking areas and rudimentary trail networks.
The suspension bridge overlooking the river gorge provides the best vantage point for capturing the pools and the surrounding forest canopy.
Bring water shoes to navigate the uneven, slippery, and sharp rocky surfaces surrounding the pools.
Check current water flow levels before planning a swimming trip, as high river levels make the potholes dangerous.
Arrive early in the day during summer months to secure parking, as the lots fill to capacity rapidly.
Avoid swimming in the river during spring snowmelt or heavy rainfall when currents become powerful and logs can be swept downstream.
Parking lots may be limited or subject to overflow closures during peak summer weekends.
Pack out all trash, keep dogs leashed in sensitive habitat areas, and refrain from cliff jumping due to submerged rocks and unpredictable currents.
