Visit

Directions

Located between Seattle and Tacoma, Washington. Map

Our address is 2525 S. 336th Street, Federal Way, WA 98003 but this will map to an empty field, so please be sure to follow the clearly marked signs to the Rhododendron and Bonsai Gardens as this street address can be confusing.

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 320^th Street.

Once on South 320th Street continue to Weyerhaeuser Way South and turn right. Drive until the road becomes a roundabout. Yield and proceed to the right, then take the second right out of the roundabout, 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 Drop-off 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 Drop-off which is on the left, or continue to the Garden Visitor Parking Lot (west lot) located on the right just past the pedestrian crosswalk.

Tour Groups

Call (253) 838-4646 Ext. 140

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 appreciate a 2-week advance registration and a minimum of 10 participants.  Fees are $10 per person.

The tour schedule for March through June fills quickly so be sure to sign-up your tour group as early in the year as possible.

Self-Guided Tours

In addition to the docent tours, there is a self-guided tour sheet available online at Self-Guided Tours and at the Garden Gift Shop for your convenience .

Pacific Rim Bonsai Collection

This magnificent bonsai collection, owned and operated by Weyerhaeuser Company, is adjacent to the Garden. For additional information please visit their website at:  Pacific Rim Bonsai Collection  or call (253) 924-3153.

Weddings & Special Events

For a garden wedding or special event, please contact our wedding coordinator at (253) 838-4646 Ext. 140. The Rutherford Conservatory Terrace accommodates gatherings of up to 100 guests, and an open meadow is available for larger groups up to 150. Allow us to offer a beautiful setting for your special occasion. For details check out Weddings/Events.

Facilities for Disabled Visitors

Restrooms – fully accessible.

Garden Gift Shop and RSBG Nursery - 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.

Rutherford Conservatory and Terrace – fully accessible.

When to Visit

Year-Round Features: Scenic beauty, Alpine Garden, Pond Garden, Woodland Garden, Hardy Fern Collection and Stumpery, Gazebo, RSBG Nursery, Garden Gift Shop.

Spring: Peak bloom time is mid-March through mid-May. Hundreds of Rhododendron species in bloom, as well as spring bulbs, perennials, emerging ferns, 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.

View our self-guided tour guides for more details about what to see during the different seasons.