Rhododendron Mountain is more notable for its steep rise above local terrain than for its absolute elevation as topographic relief is significant with the summit rising over 1,300 metres (4,265 ft) above Rutherford Creek in approximately five kilometres (3.1 mi).

The mountain's local toponym was officially adopted January 23, 1979, by the Geographical Names Board of Canada.

[4] Most weather fronts originate in the Pacific Ocean, and travel east toward the Coast Mountains where they are forced upward by the range (Orographic lift), causing them to drop their moisture in the form of rain or snowfall.

As a result, the Coast Mountains experience high precipitation, especially during the winter months in the form of snowfall.

The months July through September offer the most favorable weather for climbing Rhododendron Mountain.