Rhododendron Species Foundation

R. campylogynum, celsum group

Garden Hours

March through May
10am to 4pm
Open 6 days a week, closed Thursdays

2008 Summer Special - Open every Friday! 10am - 4pm 
(normally closed on Fridays during the summer) 
Open 6 days a week, closed Thursdays

 

October through February
11am to 4pm
Open 5 days a week, closed Thursdays & Fridays

 

 

Admission Rates

$5.00 General Admission 
$3.00 Seniors (65+) & Students (with school ID)

Free Admission children under 12 year, RSBG members, school groups, and current Weyerhaeuser employees

Group Rates (must be paid collectively)

15 - 99 people    $4.00 per person 
 15 - 99 Seniors (65+)       $2.00 per person
100+ people   $2.00 per person

School Groups   No charge

 

 
 

Free admission to the Garden: November, December, January, & February. 

 

Directions

Located between Seattle and Tacoma, Washington.

From Seattle: Drive south on Interstate 5, take exit 143, turn left onto South 320th Street.

From Tacoma: Drive north on Interstate 5, take exit 143 and turn right onto South 320th Street.

Once on South 320th Street continue to Weyerhaeuser Way South and turn right. Drive until the road becomes a round-about. Yield and proceed to the right, then take the second right out of the round-about, which is a continuation of Weyerhaeuser Way South. Drive 1/4 mile to the east entrance of the Weyerhaeuser Corporate Headquarters. Follow the signs marked "Rhododendron and Bonsai Gardens." Passengers may unload at the Visitor Dropoff which is on the left, or continue to the Garden Visitor Parking Lot (west lot) located on the right just past the pedestrian crosswalk.

From Kent-Auburn Valley / Highway 18: Driving west on Highway 18 take the Weyerhaeuser Way South exit. Go to the right and, at the stop sign, turn right. Go about a 1/4 mile to the east entrance of the Weyerhaeuser Corporate Headquarters. Turn left onto the corporate campus and follow the signs marked "Rhododendron and Bonsai Gardens." Passengers may unload at the Visitor Dropoff which is on the left, or continue to the Garden Visitor Parking Lot (west lot) located on the right just past the pedestrian crosswalk

Free Parking for all vehicles including tour buses. 

Tour Groups

Call (253) 661-9377

Tour groups must be scheduled in advance. Visitors can get a quick overview of the garden in an hour, but serious plant and garden enthusiasts will want to spend more time. Please schedule extra time for visitors in your group who may wish to browse through our Gift Shop and Plant Sales Pavilion for unique gifts, books, apparel and plants! 

 

Guided Tours

Our knowledgeable and enthusiastic docents provide excellent tours at no extra charge! A wonderful way to learn about the garden and see the highlights. During peak season, we require a 2 week advance registration and a minimum of 15 participants. Call (253) 661-9377.

 

Pacific Rim Bonsai Collection

This magnificent bonsai collection, owned and operated by Weyerhaeuser Company, is located adjacent to our garden. Many groups arrange to visit both gardens for an hour or more each with or without a guided tour. For additional information about the Pacific Rim Bonsai Collection please call (253) 924-3153. 

 

Facilities for Disabled Visitors

Restrooms - fully accessible 

Gift Shop - fully accessible 

Garden - partially accessible. The main path to the gazebo is level and covered with fine, compacted gravel. Gravel paths and hilly terrain make the use of wheel chairs difficult through most of the garden.

 

Weddings & Special Events

For a garden wedding or special event, please contact our wedding coordinator at (253) 661- 9377. A lovely gazebo is available for intimate gatherings up to 50 guests, or an open meadow is available for larger groups up to 100. Allow us to offer a beautiful setting for your special occasion. Click on the 'Weddings' tab at left for details.

When to Visit

Year-Round Features: Scenic beauty, Alpine Garden, Pond Garden, Woodland Garden, Hardy Fern Collection, Gazebo, Plant Sales Pavilion, Gift Shop. 

Spring: Peak bloom time is mid-March through mid-May. Hundreds of Rhododendron species in bloom as well as spring bulbs, perennials and flowering trees and shrubs. 

Summer: Attractive new foliage, unusual late-blooming Rhododendrons, perennials, carnivorous plants, hydrangeas and ferns. 

Fall: Spectacular fall color provided by azaleas, maples, sweet gums, fothergillas and many other ornamental trees and shrubs throughout the garden. 

Winter: Silhouettes of deciduous trees, our extensive conifer collection, swelling buds and the beautiful flowers of early blooming rhododendrons and heather in January and February.