02 · GALLERY
Five frames.
The Gorge sits on the Columbia River, two hours east of Seattle, on a basalt cliff that drops 900 feet into the river behind the stage. The amphitheatre seats 27,500 in a single tiered sweep with the river canyon as the back wall. Sound engineers worship the natural reflection. The Dave Matthews Band has played the Labor Day weekend residency since 1995. Sasquatch! Festival ran here for two decades. Phish, Pearl Jam, every touring act that prioritises beauty over capacity books the Gorge once a tour. The camping is in adjacent fields. The sunset at 8pm on a clear July evening turns the cliffs gold. The audience watches the sun set while the headliner walks on.
Camp on-site rather than driving back to Quincy. The morning at the Gorge with the river below and the basalt cliffs catching first light is the unbooked half of the experience.
Routinely voted the most beautiful concert venue in North America. A natural amphitheatre cut by the Columbia. The Red Rocks of the Pacific Northwest.
July and August are the peak months , long days, light evenings, dry climate. Labor Day weekend for the Dave Matthews Band residency. Avoid October onward (weather closes the season).
Concert season May to October. Events only , no daily public access without a ticket.
Drive from Seattle 2h 30m east on I-90 to Vantage, then south on WA-243 to George. From Spokane 1h 45m west. Camping shuttles run from Quincy and George. No public transport , driving or organised camping bus only.