The Gorge Q&A and FAQs

[ExistenceNow]

I didn't have any issue getting Premiere (can't remember if it was Citi or regular on sale... wanna say it was Citi.) It sold out, but it wasn't instantly or anything. If you're on as soon as the sale starts, you should be able to get what you want.

[mHeiser92]

Good to hear. Wasn't sure if it was an instant sell out thing or not. I'll probably take my time and hold out for good show tickets. At the moment I'm likely going solo so I figure I can grab a single from a drop or the boards if WH shuts me out

[dmbolp]

I get Terrace every year thru CITI presale, and they're available for a few minutes, but grab them quick

[chisusie]

If I don't want to camp, how far in advance would I need to book something on vrbo?

[ExistenceNow]

Start looking now.

[but1well]

Originally Posted by chisusie

If I don't want to camp, how far in advance would I need to book something on vrbo?

There's really nothing around the venue so you'd be driving a fair way to somewhere like Yakima I bet to find a house you could rent. Camping is pretty easy out there. Go to Wildhorse, it's the best place to camp IMO

[dmbolp]

A few places close by

https://www.vrbo.com/results?q=The+G...1%2F2018&uuid=

[YouNeverKnow25]

there are a ton of hotels and vrbos between the gorge and yakima. look at moses lake, that's where I've always stayed

[YouNeverKnow25]

Originally Posted by dmbolp

I get Terrace every year thru CITI presale, and they're available for a few minutes, but grab them quick

and do you then rent an RV or you just prefer to camp tent-style in the upgraded area?

[dmbolp]

Originally Posted by YouNeverKnow25

and do you then rent an RV or you just prefer to camp tent-style in the upgraded area?

Just rent an SUV at SEA and camp with tent on the grass in Terrace; here's our setup:

4 bags free on Southwest:

1 hardside golf bag case: 10' x 10' pop-up shade, extension cord and string lights for pop-up, 2 pillows, tools for camping

1 62" airline-max duffel: 48 quart coleman cooler filled with stuff, 2 sleeping bags, 4 person tent, small stuff need for camping

1 29" airline-max hardside suitcase: big stuff needed for camping, shoes, big stuff

1 29" airline-max softside suitcase: My wife's stuff, whatever she wants

Then, we both carry on a carry-on suitcase and a backpack

And we aren't even campers, but we can handle it

[YouNeverKnow25]

nice. every time I've gone to the gorge I've stayed in a hotel in moses lake, except for the first time, 2004, when I did stay all the way in yakima.

but this year I may do it differently b/c I'll be going with a first timer and I've always gone with my dad who is decidedly anti-camping.

then again golf is high on my buddy and I's list of things we enjoy so that may rule camping out.

decisions decisions

[Chrisdar1]

Originally Posted by dmbolp

Just rent an SUV at SEA and camp with tent on the grass in Terrace; here's our setup:

4 bags free on Southwest:

1 hardside golf bag case: 10' x 10' pop-up shade, extension cord and string lights for pop-up, 2 pillows, tools for camping

1 62" airline-max duffel: 48 quart coleman cooler filled with stuff, 2 sleeping bags, 4 person tent, small stuff need for camping

1 29" airline-max hardside suitcase: big stuff needed for camping, shoes, big stuff

1 29" airline-max softside suitcase: My wife's stuff, whatever she wants

Then, we both carry on a carry-on suitcase and a backpack

And we aren't even campers, but we can handle it

We basically did the same exact thing in 2015.

SW Luggage:
- Hard shell golf bag - Held pop up, flag pole, and some camping tools
- One cooler (doubled as luggage for plane trip) filled with tent, camping supplies
- Large Travel Duffel - packed with sleeping bags and pillows
- Guitar in hardshell case

Then two carry-ons for clothes and backpacks.


Wife made the decision to go next year, so I'll be shooting for the Terrace camping pass in the CITI presale with ya.... We fly in on Wednesday, spending Thursday in Seattle and then arriving at Terrace late Friday morning to set up.

Can't wait to return!

[bamashane1975]

Originally Posted by Chrisdar1

We basically did the same exact thing in 2015.

SW Luggage:
- Hard shell golf bag - Held pop up, flag pole, and some camping tools
- One cooler (doubled as luggage for plane trip) filled with tent, camping supplies
- Large Travel Duffel - packed with sleeping bags and pillows
- Guitar in hardshell case

Then two carry-ons for clothes and backpacks.


Wife made the decision to go next year, so I'll be shooting for the Terrace camping pass in the CITI presale with ya.... We fly in on Wednesday, spending Thursday in Seattle and then arriving at Terrace late Friday morning to set up.

Can't wait to return!

Almost exactly what the wife and I did in 2016. Flew from Montgomery, AL. Four checked bags (including a golf bag for shade shelter) and Yeti Hoppers doubled as our carry on bags. The Gorge is practically spiritual as far as I am concerned, and worth whatever hassle you incur making it work.

[YouNeverKnow25]

does anyone offhand know pricing for the various levels of camping?

[dmbolp]

Before fees, about: 90/170/330

[misschung]

I'm considering going next year, but will probably be going alone and don't want to camp. Is it generally safe? How hard is it to park and get in and out of the venue each night?

[ExistenceNow]

Originally Posted by misschung

I'm considering going next year, but will probably be going alone and don't want to camp. Is it generally safe? How hard is it to park and get in and out of the venue each night?

It's in the middle of nowhere, so it's probably toward the top of safest venues list.

[dmbolp]

You're biggest threat would be the cops on I-90 as you drive back to your hotel 30+ miles away

[YouNeverKnow25]

Originally Posted by misschung

I'm considering going next year, but will probably be going alone and don't want to camp. Is it generally safe? How hard is it to park and get in and out of the venue each night?

I would definitely recommend springing for VIP parking. there are not many ways to get in and out of the venue and VIP gets a special devoted lane

[specialkd24]

My wife and I finally decided to do The Gorge for the first time for my 40th birthday. Want to come early and stay a day after to see some of the state.

Anybody been to Mt. Rainier? We are hoping to do that on the front end and wanted to know if anybody had any tips.

[Crash1983]

Originally Posted by specialkd24

My wife and I finally decided to do The Gorge for the first time for my 40th birthday. Want to come early and stay a day after to see some of the state.

Anybody been to Mt. Rainier? We are hoping to do that on the front end and wanted to know if anybody had any tips.

we did mt rainier in 2012 before getting to our hotel the thursday before. its a little out of the way so plan to spend some time on the road if you plan to head to the gorge right after. to the visitor center at the top its about a 14 mile (someone may know exact) ride from the entrance. lots of hiking trails. be prepared for your cell phone not to have service there or anywhere near the mountain.

[dewke]

Originally Posted by specialkd24

My wife and I finally decided to do The Gorge for the first time for my 40th birthday. Want to come early and stay a day after to see some of the state.

Anybody been to Mt. Rainier? We are hoping to do that on the front end and wanted to know if anybody had any tips.

If you have time go to Mt. St. Helens.

[specialkd24]

Originally Posted by Crash1983

we did mt rainier in 2012 before getting to our hotel the thursday before. its a little out of the way so plan to spend some time on the road if you plan to head to the gorge right after. to the visitor center at the top its about a 14 mile (someone may know exact) ride from the entrance. lots of hiking trails. be prepared for your cell phone not to have service there or anywhere near the mountain.

Thanks. Right now we plan to come Wednesday, spend all day Thursday in the park, and then head back to The Gorge on Friday.

[IanJHickey]

My wife and I will be going to the gorge for the first time next year, assuming it's a go. We plan on staying in Washington State for a week or so before or after the gorge. Can anyone recommend resorts/towns in the state? We don't want to be in the city.

[laverwater]

Originally Posted by IanJHickey

My wife and I will be going to the gorge for the first time next year, assuming it's a go. We plan on staying in Washington State for a week or so before or after the gorge. Can anyone recommend resorts/towns in the state? We don't want to be in the city.

Even though you don't want to be in the city, spend a day or two in Seattle if you haven't been. Pike Place Market is totally worth it, Mariners games are too (and cheap!). Golden Gardens is an amazing beach in the city that you can bring drinks, games, and have a bonfire at. Kerry Park for great views of the city/Rainier.

I also recommend Leavenworth, a cool German style town up in the Cascades. If you found yourself South of the Gorge, Hood River is a fun little resort town on the Oregon side of the Columbia. One of the kite surfing capitals of the world, with great hikes and other outdoor sports all over. A cool place to stay near there is Skamania Lodge. There's also natural hot springs all over the place to visit.

[laverwater]

Regarding camping, it's been said in here a lot I believe, but I think a lot of East Coasters don't realize how easy it is to camp comfortably out here. There are no bugs, and relatively no humidity. We have tons of friends that really aren't the camping type that camp every year here in general camping.

The campground is one of the main reasons we go every year. Get to know and play music with tons of great people, and all you have to do is walk to/from the venue.

[dewke]

Originally Posted by IanJHickey

My wife and I will be going to the gorge for the first time next year, assuming it's a go. We plan on staying in Washington State for a week or so before or after the gorge. Can anyone recommend resorts/towns in the state? We don't want to be in the city.

Mt. St. Helens, The San Juan Islands and Port Townsend are all worth a visit. You might not want to go to Seattle, but it is a very nice city with some things worth visiting, and the water view is amazing. If not, you could stay on Bainbridge Island and take the ferry to see the city.

You'll pass through the Cascade Mountains on the way to/from the Gorge, some nice spots up there.

If my ex-wife didn't live out there I would like it more, but it's really a beautiful state and labor day is usually perfect weather.

[IanJHickey]

Awesome! Thanks guys. I will look into everything you mentioned.
We have an RV booked for labor day weekend. We are thinking about keeping it and camping for an additional week. The wife isn't sure if she wants to do that or stay in a hotel somewhere.

[TheLastPig]

Anyone have a good travel app that can set price alerts and can notify me when something pops up?

I dont have any flier miles so ill be hunting when it gets into december/january for a cheap flight out of pittsburgh.

[BTBaboon]

For those that have done RVs in the past for the weekend, what has been your process? Where have you booked/rented, and what type of camping/parking did you do?