Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden

This is real gem of a place to visit. Rhododendron enthusiasts have collected hundreds of species of this genus of plant from around the world over a number of years and brought them to Federal Way and planted them in this garden.
The gardens are beautiful with pathways and places to sit and other interesting planting add to the interest and the general beauty of the place.
This is great place to see the variability of the rhododendron species. It’s also a wonder place to stroll and enjoy the exquisite gardens at your leisure.
There is modest entrance fee and the gardens are well worth the price.
You can buy some specimens that have been propagated by the foundation if you like to take home for your own garden.
Don’t miss this jewel in the crown of the area, this exquisite example of long and hard work and dedication to an idea come to life and taken form.
See it soon. Take the family. You’ll be glad you did.

Being here in the area for about a year and a half I feel like there is still so much to see! I finally made it to the Rhododendron Garden just a few weeks ago. I came back from a trip to Wyoming and Colorado when most of the Rhododendron’s were past their prime in blooming but when we went here we still got to see some very nice Rhododendron blooms. Like any good botanical garden they have a host of other plants thst were in their blooming prime time which was very nice to see!
There are trails that go all over the grounds and go in every direction but all eventually wind back to the main office where there are gifts and where you pay the entrance fee.
There is a small, but interesting green house that contains many tropical plants inside which is also cool to see! Scattered amongst the plant life is glass art, many resembling plants and some looking like the Venus Flytrap from Little Shop of Horrors!
There is a section near the front where you can buy plants as well as a bargain or clearance area where you can get some good prices and what looks like to me relatively healthy plants!

My daughter & I spent a Saturday afternoon trying to take in all that the «garden» had to offer but the task was too much for us. The garden was prolific with all types & species of plants & it was quite enjoyable for both of us. We will definitely be back in the summer months when the gardens have more flowers to enjoy.

Another hidden gem in the Northwest. This is one of the largest collections of rhodies in the world with species from around the world. In addition, there are other smaller gardens like the iris field, the pond, fern garden, conservatory and some very rare blue poppies. Of course, spring is the best time to visit, but there is always something blooming for most of the warmer months.
Be sure to check in for your plant sale discount.

It’s not just rhododendrons, so don’t be fooled.
But of the rhodos they have, it’s a marvelous collection. I was almost overwhelmed in trying to take the whole garden in. It’s so well pathed and organized. They even have a green house in the middle with some smaller species and beautiful flowers. It’s not a bad thing to get lost in here because you’ll enjoy every minute of it. There are so many different species in this garden. I had to change the batteries on my camera 3 times from all the pictures I took. Just simply beautiful. All the colors are so vibrant and I keep saying it but just simply beautiful.
The price is a modest $ 8 for such a beautiful garden. I went when they had a Groupon and it was well worth it. You might think you’re going the wrong way once you drive around the Weyerhaeuser campus, but keep going and you’ll find it. Free parking and very quiet so you can enjoy the experience. The gift shop is cute too.
And you think that is all? NOOOOOO! There is an adjoining bonsai garden which is included in the price. These bonsais are marvelously crafted and many are quite large. Again there is such a variety in the species/​styles of bonsai.
Bring good shoes with a little bit of a slip resistant sole because the ground can be moist in areas, but this garden should not be missed!

This is a beautiful gem of the Tacoma area. We must have spent about 2 hours wondering around the various paths. There were beautiful flowers, breathtaking ponds, and other secrets to discover. Friendly for all ages and fitness levels. Worth coming back again and again to see all that the garden has to offer.
There is also the Bonsai Garden right outside the main entrance that was beautiful (and free!!).

This is one of the largest collections of rhododendrons in the world. It’s amazing at any time of year, and is by no means strictly rhodies and azaleas. There are different garden areas seperated by well maintained paths; an alpine garden, a northwest native plant area, a meadow and a pond, a section that is just azaleas, etc. They sell nursery stock there, and have a gift shop with lovely but expensive books, art, and other pretty things. Admission is really inexpensive, and you really can’t complain when you know your money goes to maintain this great garden. Maybe someday the bonsai collection will return, too :)
They rent out the meadow for a wedding ceremony venue too!
Edit: a very kind note on my review was added by a Rhody Garden Representative to say that the bonsai collection IS open! So you can enjoy that too, all for one very reasonable price :)
Edit: the very kind note from a representative of the garden says the bonsai collection IS open! Definitely something to see if you’re in town.

I absolutely love the rhododendron garden. It is truly a beautiful, relaxing and magical place. There are a plethora of rhodies — as you would expect and Japanese maples and other shrubs that make you sigh. The gift shop is lovely and the assistance is great. The staff is very knowledgeable and will help you find the rhody or plant you are looking for. You can buy plants all year round, however, the spring and fall plant sales are excellent. If you are looking for a place that is a feast for the eyes and good for the soul, to be surrounded by folks that respect nature, this is the place for you.

AWESOME rhodies! I went a year ago, alone, that sorta sucked, but not the garden, its gorgeous, take a friend, so u have pics of you in them instead of just the pretty flowers and grounds. I kept thinking, what a great place for a wedding, but you have to bring in everything. Or your could just take the pictures there, it would be unique.

Great walk around a beautiful area. They have an amazing variety of rhododendrons. They also include many other plants and have something blooming from spring to fall. You can pay a nominal fee during spring and summer. No fee fall/​winter. Or get passes for the year of different types that will allow you to take others. One of the places we take visiting family and friends.

The Pacific Rim Bonsai Collection, next door to the entrance of the Rhododendron Species Foundation Garden, has the most marvelous collection I’ve ever seen. The RSF is best when there are rhodies in bloom, but there’s lots of other beutiful plantings to see year round. Traipse down to the pond with the bamboo around it.