The Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden (RSBG) has been awarded Silver for Best Attraction in The Seattle Times 2025 Best in the PNW contest – a remarkable achievement for this beloved nonprofit botanical garden.
For first-time visitors, stepping into the RSBG can be a transformative experience. Nestled in the heart of Federal Way, the 22-acre woodland garden offers an otherworldly escape that feels both intimate and expansive. Each winding trail transports explorers on a unique journey through a living tapestry of rare plants and vibrant seasonal displays.
Nearly 30,000 visitors from around the world come to the RSBG each year to experience what many locals call Federal Way’s hidden gem, and now, the greater Seattle area has taken notice.
“Although most people think about visiting the garden at peak spring bloom, it is worth noting that the RSBG has one of the finest displays of fall foliage color on the west coast,” shared Steve Hootman, RSBG Executive Director of Horticulture and Curator. “Mid-October to mid-November is typically the best time to see the brightest colors.”
Though the RSBG hosts the largest collection of Rhododendron species in the world, its collection of companion plants, including the famous Himalayan blue poppies, camellias, magnolias, Japanese maples, and many rare plants beckon sightseers to return year after year. The 22-acre garden boasts 13 unique features including a tropical conservatory, Victorian stumpery, gift shop and onsite nursey, etc. – all snuggled within a forest of Douglas fir, western red cedar, hemlock and other native plants.
“The RSBG is more than just a garden; it’s a community space where people can connect with nature, explore conservation, discover something new, and simply enjoy the beauty around them,” said Grace Pham, Executive Director of Business Operations. “We’re proud to be a place where rare plants, science, and a shared love for the outdoors all come together.”
Founded in 1964 by the Rhododendron Species Foundation, the garden has a long history of plant exploration, species conservation, and horticultural excellence. Opened to the public in 1980, the RSBG’s mission centers on conservation, research, public education, and the distribution of Rhododendron species.
Run by a small but mighty staff of horticulturists, volunteers, and support staff, the RSBG prides itself on offering plants for sale that their customers can’t find anywhere else. Gardeners from all over the world flock to RSBG’s nursery and catalog sales, to find the perfect plant to complement their home and garden. The onsite nursery is free for shopping.
“As part of the Puget Sound community, we are proud to continue to provide rare and unique plant materials for our visitors,” said Atsuko Gibson, RSBG Nursery Manager and Assistant Curator. “You will find something new and special every time you visit. We ship plants all over the country, and we specialize in plants that cannot be easily found in other nurseries.”
Visitors often ask staff how long it takes to tour the garden. The answer is as little or as much time as you have. Some guests enjoy a brisk half-hour stroll, while others immerse themselves for hours.
The RSBG is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 AM to 4 PM, year-round.
Don’t miss the upcoming Fall Foliage Festival Nov. 8-9. Join us for this free event featuring garden tours highlighting our colorful fall foliage, a scavenger hunt for the kids, delicious food, and a walk through the garden in search of the perfect spot to take that quintessential fall photo. Also shop RSBG’s biggest sale of the year! Discover an immersive wonderland of sights, sounds, and sensations – from cool breezes to rustling leaves and the quiet swaying of golden-brown maple trees.
The garden’s annual Fall Foliage Festival and Plant Sale is sure to please garden enthusiasts and nature lovers of all ages. For plant hunters looking for something special, featured pop-up vendors will bring their cultivated collections to the Rutherford Conservatory terrace.
Dig into a savory dish from a food truck before heading to the Visitor Center for unique garden gifts and to peruse the large selection of books to learn about the beloved Rhododendron species, horticulture, and the natural history of the Pacific Northwest. Our collection of Japanese maples, deciduous azaleas, and other deciduous species of trees and shrubs never fails to produce a large range of bright colors right before we head into the grey days of winter. More information can be found at: https://rhodygarden.org/events/fall-foliage-festival.
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