Home to one of the largest collections of species rhododendrons in the world, the garden displays over 650 of the more than 1,000 species found in the wilds of North America, Europe, and Asia, as well as the tropical regions of southeast Asia and northern Australia. Conservation has come to be a primary importance in recent years with the destruction of Rhododendron habitat in many areas of the world.
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!
Our knowledgeable and enthusiastic docents provide excellent tours! It's 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 12 participants. Call (253) 661-9377 Fees are $10 per person.
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, our new conservatory and terrace provide an elegant setting, or an open meadow is available for larger groups up to 150. Allow us to offer a beautiful setting for your special occasion.
The gift shop is well-stocked with garden books, terrarium supplies, garden ornamentations, and unique gift items. The Plant Sales Pavilion boasts rare and unusual plants as well as tried-&-true favorites.
The Rhododendron Species Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation, research, acquisition, evaluation, cultivation, public display and distribution of Rhododendron species. The Foundation provides education relating to the genus and serves as a unique resource for scientific, horticultural and general gardening communities worldwide.
The RSF Rhododendron collection was first housed on Milton Walker’s property at Pleasant Hill, near Eugene, Oregon. The first plants were sent there in October, 1968. Three years later the collection was moved to the property of RSF board member P.H. (Jock) Brydon, near Salem, Oregon. By the fall of 1973 it had become apparent that the collection was becoming too large for the Brydon property, and a committee met with George Weyerhaeuser (a relative of committee member Corydon Wagner), who was immediately and enthusiastically receptive to the idea of providing space on the new Weyerhaeuser corporate campus. In 1974 the Weyerhaeuser Company generously leased at no cost a permanent site of 24 acres for the collection at its corporate headquarters in Federal Way, Washington. The collection was relocated from Salem to the Federal Way site in 1975, and planted in accordance with the geographic area of species origin.
Self-guided tours. Guided Tours available to groups by appointment.
Regular classes.
Access: Members
Appointment required: False
Gift Shop
Event Rental
Group Tours