Summary
Gorge Amphitheater Overview
If you seek a concert experience, one of the most unique venues in the U.S. is located in Central Washington. Nestled into a natural gorge in the Columbia River Valley, just a couple of hours from Seattle is the Gorge Amphitheater. This outdoor arena features a stage, an exceptional sound system, and more than 20,000 seats, all overlooking a breathtaking view of the Columbia River.
While the venue is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Seattle (150 miles), it is a popular day or weekend trip for locals and visitors from Western Washington, especially during music festivals and headliner events which occur throughout the year. Notable annual festivals include the Sasquatch Festival and Watershed Festival, attracting bands like Dave Matthews, who has performed here multiple times and recorded an album, titled “The Gorge.”
Concerts at The Gorge
The Gorge features an impressive lineup of shows each season, making it a fantastic reason to camp or stay overnight. Events such as the Sasquatch! Music Festival take place annually over Memorial Day Weekend. Other significant festivals include the Watershed Festival and Paradiso Festival, but Sasquatch stands out as the largest and most popular. If you desire a vibrant summer music festival experience conveniently located close to Seattle, Sasquatch is the perfect choice.
In addition to festivals, other shows routinely visit The Gorge. Notable performers include Dave Matthews, Ozzfest, Lilith Fair, Creation Festival, Vans Warped Tour, and KUBE 93’s Summer Jam.
Seating Options
The Gorge offers two types of seating—lawn/general admission and reserved. While reserved seating might be considered preferable at many venues, general admission at The Gorge offers unique advantages. An extraordinary aspect of this amphitheater is the stunning view, which reserved seating loses out on. The expansive, elevated general admission lawn allows concert-goers to appreciate the gorge’s beauty while enjoying outstanding sound quality. It’s advisable to bring towels, blankets, or cushions for seating.
However, if proximity to the stage is your top priority, then reserved seating would be the better choice.
What to Bring
- Wear a jacket, as evenings can get cool even during hot days. Eastern Washington’s climate is arid with few clouds, leading to larger temperature differences between day and night compared to Western Washington.
- In summer, bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses, as the sun is more intense at The Gorge than in Seattle.
- If you choose general admission, remember to bring a blanket, towel, or cushion. Low chairs might be permitted during certain shows, but regular-height chairs are usually not allowed.
- Pack food and water to save costs, as the on-site store tends to be pricey. Attendees can bring one clear gallon bag of food. While bottled water is allowed, soda and alcohol are prohibited.
- Consider bringing earplugs if you’re sensitive to loud music or want a peaceful night’s rest at the campground.
- Depending on the event, small backpacks or coolers may be permitted, so it’s best to check in advance.
Camping Options
Camping remains the top choice for those wishing to avoid the hassle of leaving The Gorge immediately after a concert. There are several types of campsites available:
General Camping: Offers basic amenities, such as water, Honey Buckets, and showers for a fee. Campsites are relatively small.
Premier Camping: Features larger campsites, private restrooms, free showers, and accommodates larger vehicles and RVs. A shuttle service to and from the amphitheater is also provided.
Terrace Camping: Located in a quieter area with free showers, private restrooms, a van to the amphitheater, concierge services, and complimentary coffee and pastries in the mornings.
Glamping: Situated in the Terrace area, glamping spots provide cottage-style tents with essential furnishings.
Parking and Directions
The Gorge provides two parking levels—regular and Star, where Star parking costs extra and allows quicker exit from the venue compared to regular parking. Overnight parking is not available in the general lots; thus, camping is necessary for overnight stays.
Public transportation to The Gorge is unavailable, making driving the primary option.
From Seattle, take I-90 East to exit 143 Silica Road. From areas north of Seattle, routes include US-2 East or I-90. For those traveling from Tacoma, the quickest way involves taking WA-18 East to I-90 and then continuing East to exit 143.
Nearby Hotels and Lodging
If you wish to stay overnight without the rough camping experience, several hotels are located within a short drive from The Gorge. The town of Quincy offers basic accommodations like the Sundowner. For a more complete weekend experience, consider the Cave B Inn & Spa, which is near a winery.
Here are some recommended options, ordered from closest to farthest:
- Crescent Bay Resorts in Trinidad
- The Knights Inn in Quincy
- Quincy Inn & Suites in Quincy
- Vantage Riverstone Resort
- Hotels in Ellensburg are also conveniently located. Online listings for vacation rentals can offer alternatives as well.
Location
754 Silica Road NW
Quincy, Washington 98848
Gorge Amphitheatre tickets are available through Live Nation.
