Can You Bring Vapes into The Gorge Amphitheatre? Rules, Tips & What You Need to Know

Take a look around any big outdoor concert and you’ll see a swirl of smoke and vapor rising above the crowd—sometimes, it smells like strawberry grape instead of weed or cigarettes. Ever wondered if you can actually bring vapes into The Gorge Amphitheatre, or are people just sneaking them in? What’s the real deal with vaping at one of America’s most legendary outdoor music venues? Knowing the answer can make or break your festival experience, especially if you’re traveling hours for the show. Getting caught on the wrong side of venue rules can mean a frustrating start—confiscated goodies, stern security, maybe even missing your favorite band. So, what does The Gorge really say about vapes, and what’s the scene been like this summer?

What The Official Rules Really Say About Vapes at The Gorge

The Gorge Amphitheatre has a strict, constantly updated policy on what you’re allowed to bring inside. Vapes land in something of a gray area. Officially, the venue bans all smoking inside the seating bowl—this includes cigarettes, cigars, and yes, vapes. The outdoor concourse and general admission lawn are a bit more relaxed, since it’s open air, but even then, staff can ask you to stop or move if people complain. As of May 2025, The Gorge publicizes on their FAQ page that “electronic cigarettes and vaporizers are permitted only in designated outdoor smoking areas.” Now, here’s the catch: those ‘designated areas’ are sometimes poorly marked, and at big festival weekends, security tends to get stricter.

If you’re heading to a multi-day festival like Watershed, Bass Canyon, or Dave Matthews Band’s annual three-day run, the rules can randomly fluctuate based on the event’s specific organizers. When Aveline and I hit a show there last August, all vaping—including weed pens—was redirected to the far corners near food trucks, well away from the crowd. If you’re hoping to stealth vape among the masses during your favorite song, you’re taking a risk. And don’t think security is blind. They’re trained to spot clouds and devices. Some security teams are chill and just remind you to head to the edges; others will confiscate your device without warning.

Real-World Stories: How Attendees Handle Vapes at The Gorge

Ask a few fans outside the campground and you’ll hear a range of stories. Some people say they’ve never been hassled about vaping at The Gorge, while others have lost $60 vapes to the “amnesty box” at the front gate. One thing’s for sure: security at The Gorge varies wildly. At the main entrance, bag checks are thorough—except when they’re not. Some shows saw three-minute inspections, others barely a glance. Metal detectors are standard, and vape devices almost always get flagged if they look unusual or overly large.

The strategy most folks use is to keep vapes in a clear plastic bag, alongside other electronics, so they’re easy to check. If you try to smuggle in, you might lose it, and they usually won’t care about brand loyalty. The communal feeling at The Gorge is pretty laid-back—if anyone’s upset about your vape, it’s usually the parent with kids on a blanket, or someone allergic. Folks usually self-police; you’ll get a tap on the shoulder before staff gets involved. Every August, you’ll also see posts flooding Reddit and Facebook groups: “Can I bring my vape into The Gorge?” Answers often range from “Yes, no one cares” to “I got mine taken last week.”

Here’s what the numbers looked like last summer, based on attendee reports in 2024:

The takeaway? Be ready to hand it over or head to the mail truck and stash it. I once watched someone try to argue that their vape was a medical device—security just laughed it off. Don’t expect special treatment.

Local Laws, Safety, and Why The Gorge Cares About Vapes

Here’s where things get interesting: vapes might seem safer, but they’re not legal everywhere in Washington State. While vaping nicotine is fine if you’re over 21, weed vapes are only legal on private property and are banned at public events by law, even with a card. The Gorge sits on a rural edge, surrounded by dry fields. They’re paranoid about fire risk, especially in wildfire season. In 2022, a butt tossed into the brush caused a $600,000 grass fire, so now, anything with a battery or heat coil gets a side-eye from staff, even if you swear it’s “just strawberry candy flavor.”

Also, lithium batteries in vapes pose a real concern. You’ll see warnings about not tossing batteries in trash bins all over the campground. A single shorted-out vape can start a fire in the summer heat, so there’s less sympathy if your gear looks dodgy or modded. Gorge management works closely with Grant County Sheriff every festival. They’re not just looking for drugs or booze—they want to avoid emergencies. Last June, staff carried five fire extinguishers and two AEDs on patrol per night, and that wasn’t just for show. Safety means they’ll err on the side of caution if they see clouds or devices causing problems.

Another thing: stashing vapes along the fence or “hidden spots” is a losing game. Rangers sweep with flashlights and cameras between sets. Get caught, and you’re out. Not the memory you want from your $500 weekend. If you absolutely need your vape, label it and keep it with your other valuables—losing a phone and a vape in the same dump run is a double punch you’ll remember for months.

Tips for Vaping at The Gorge Without Ruining Your Night

If you’re set on bringing your vapes at The Gorge, here are a few practical moves to keep your weekend smooth. First, check both The Gorge’s and your festival’s specific entry rules the night before. There are subtle changes based on artists, crowd age, and new local alerts. Don’t count on last year’s story; policies change fast.

• Use a small, discreet vape—no monster box mods or glass rigs. The sleeker your device, the less likely it draws attention.
• Bring a back-up device if you’re prone to losing things or if your vape is valuable. Confiscations do happen.
• Keep your vape in an easy-to-inspect bag at entry. Fumbling wastes time and looks suspicious.
• Ask security politely about designated areas if you’re unsure—they’re sometimes okay with you vaping near fence lines during non-packed shows.
• If someone complains, move without arguing. Social vibes are key. Nobody wants a scene.
• At night, be aware that anything glowing or flashing is like a homing beacon for staff—cover your device if needed.
• Empty your tank before entry; most leaks happen when stuffed in a bag for hours in the sun.
• Charge up beforehand—charging stations on-site are rare, and lugging a power bank isn’t worth it for most events.
• Respect camping rules: they’re usually more lenient, but open flames are taboo in wildfire season.
• If you have weed vapes, remember public use is still illegal. Stealth doesn’t mean immunity.
• Share if you want, but don’t pressure. Some Gorge-goers are allergic or asthmatic, especially in the dry, dusty summer air.
• If you lose your vape to security, don’t argue—it won’t come back, and you’ll miss more of the show.
• Use mints or gum. Your breath will thank you, and so will the strangers next to you during a six-hour dance set.

Finally, remember—The Gorge’s staff is made up of locals who care about the land and the people coming through. Even if some feel like the Vape Police, they actually do want everyone to have a good time. A smile and a patient attitude go a lot further than an angry rant about vape rights.