Glacial action during the last ice age 15,000 years ago is responsible for the sandstone formations, as the moving, melting ice packs stripped the surface area and carved a path deep into the natural bedrock.

Huge boulders carried along by the rushing river became lodged, were swirled against the canyon walls, and consequently carved out the potholes that can be seen today.

Water in the pools and potholes is beautifully clean and clear, providing a delightful swimming and picnicking area during summer. Hiking trails in the park are not well developed or marked, but if you can find your way, it can be fun exploring the area.

Visitors to the Sooke Potholes should watch for rising and falling water after periods of heavy rainfall, especially from September to July. There are steep cliffs in some areas of this park; visitors should use caution in these areas.

In the Sooke region you'll find excellent salmon fishing in the Sooke River, where the annual salmon run is best viewed from Sooke Potholes Provincial Park. The park provides wildlife viewing opportunities along an important coho and Chinook salmon spawning river. Located within the Leeward Island Mountains Ecosection, the park protects remnant old-growth Douglas fir and associated sensitive plant communities that line Sooke River. The Sierra wood fern, a red-listed plant, is found in the park. The river itself is an important wildlife corridor for all species, including black bear and Roosevelt elk, as it connects the Sooke Hills and Capital Region greenbelt

One of the most interesting rural sections of the Galloping Goose Trail runs for about 20 km from Roche Cove Regional Park to Sooke Potholes Provincial Park and Leechtown.

Picnic tables line the river next to the parking area, with the potholes just steps beyond. Other facilities are fairly basic, and are limited to parking and toilets.