Rochester, Washington
Rochester, Washington is a community of approximately 2,300 in southwest Thurston County, along US Highway 12 west of Interstate 5. Many residents commute to nearby Olympia (22 miles) or Centralia (12 miles).
Rochester is a pleasant mix of rolling, forested hills, and open prairie grasslands, with the Chehalis River just to the south.
Average Home Prices in Rochester
Recreation
Nearby Scatter Creek Wildlife Area features 915 acres of prairie land along Scatter Creek. Available activities including hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and dog field trials. The adjoining timber land is privately owned.
Also a few miles away is the 100,000 acre Capitol State Forest, a working timber forest managed by the Washington DNR, which offers hiking, camping, trail riding, ATV trails, and mountain biking. Horse-friendly camping with corrals is available at the Margaret McKenney and Fall Creek campgrounds. In addition, trail riding access is available from the Mima Falls Trailhead. Note that horseback riding and off-road vehicles are only allowed in Capitol Forest between May 1 and November 30.
Community Events
The third Saturday in June marks the annual Swede Day Midsommar Festival. Events at Swede Hall include a pancake breakfast, games for the children, and vendor and information booths. At 11 AM, there is a parade on Highway 12 from Paulson to Albany streets, concluding at Swede Hall.