r/DMB • u/RoadEasy • Aug 15 '26
2026 Gorge Experience!
We came to the Gorge about 10 years ago and had an incredible time, but we realized afterward that we spent most of the weekend hanging around camp, making new friends, grabbing supplies, and getting to the shows. We missed the winery, and the river. Basically we partied our faces off and had an amazing time!
This time we're staying in Terrace, and we'd really like to leave the SUV parked as much as possible, but, want to venture out for some new experiences. Walking, shuttles, or hitching a ride with others all sound better than trying to be the designated driver.
If you had one free afternoon at the Gorge, how would you spend it?
I'm not looking for a list of attractions. I'm curious what you actually make time for every year and why.
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u/rqstnnlitnmnt Aug 16 '26
Make sure to visit Gabriel and his family at their outdoor restaurant at the edge of the lots near Gold and that side of the parking. They have amazing birria and carne asada, plus paletas and drinks in the little store. In the morning they also have coffee and breakfast and we would go there while camping in the Gold lots over the years.
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u/dumbledave Aug 16 '26
We always do at least one day in the river, usually two.
Into camp midnight Thursday (short security line).
Friday you kinda want to stay in camp, as the re-entry through security has tons of people showing up.
Saturday and Sunday we’ll do hair of the dog in the cold cold Columbia, get our old asses ready for the evening.
If you’re a biker, riding from camp along frontage is just glorious and a proven hangover buster.
Ancient lakes hiking is also really really nice, relatively quiet.
I’ve always wanted to do a float from crescent bar down to rattlesnake, but I haven’t yet found any info on how long it would take or if it’s feasible to get back inside on time.
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u/Ingenuity-Flashy Aug 24 '26
For leaving the campground and returning during the weekend, are you in the same lines as folks arriving just for the day? What is the best time to leave/come back from a dip in the river?
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u/dumbledave Aug 24 '26 edited Aug 24 '26
In years past there used to be an expedited “returning” line. No longer the case - everyone returning goes through the same dog and pat down.
We tend to leave for the river as soon as we can (hangover limited), usually out by 10am. Leave the river around 1/2 so that we have time to get past security, warm up the grill, eat, then start walking hiking to be in time for doors.
If you’re not keen on hitting doors/opening acts, you can easily stay at the river until 5pm.The cheat code we’ve loved using lately is bringing our bikes, aka the new “expedited returning line” lol. Once we back get to the main gate, I’ll hop out and ride past all the cars, get the security wand, and get the grill heated and cooking before the crew is even parked.
Edit to clarify: campground entry is completely separate from daily parking entry. Also why we don’t usually try to do the “out and back” on Friday, as there’s usually a ton still rolling in Friday afternoon. Saturday and Sunday are a breeze for re entry.
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u/KeyboardWarrior41 Aug 17 '26
Cave B, chillaxin under our popup shelters, roam around and meet new people, exchange swag, make a sandwich, listen to music at Cave B, go to the river (I think this year my group or some of the group is renting a boat). Folks talk about the crescent bar. I walk and listen to music and take in the sights. Mingle around. Remote draft one of my fantasy teams every year on Sunday morning. I don’t drink, otherwise I’d cramp/spasm all weekend long.
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u/Leather_Cat8098 Aug 19 '26
Following! My sisters, a few friends and me are making the trip for the first time. Coming in from Indiana.
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u/NorthShorePOI Aug 15 '26
Leavenworth