Perched on a cliff on the Columbia River, 2.5 hours from Seattle and 4.5 from Portland, the Gorge Amphitheatre is Pollstar's perennial best outdoor venue. This year, the rock/alternative festival will also have a comedy tent, starring the People's Republic of Komedy, that morphs into a dance party late at night for you and 25,000 friends.
Don't Miss Jane's Addiction, Doves, Fleet Foxes, the

Hot Ticket: Sasquatch!: Blind Pilot

These soulful Portland, Oregon, folk-rockers have toured the West Coast for two summers—on their bikes, hauling an upright bass, guitars, a mountain dulcimer, and a vibraphone. After 3,200 miles, 50-plus gigs, 54 flats, and two stolen rides, they'll now tour the world. The new challenge? Taking the bus.

Decemberists, Blitzen Trapper, and Blind Pilot. $67 per day; sasquatchfestival.com.
Intermission Climb soaring basalt walls at Frenchman Coulee, outside Vantage (climbingwashington.com).
Crash As with all the festivals listed here—unless otherwise noted—your lodging should be a tent on the festival grounds. (Fees may apply.)
Also This Weekend Strawberry Music Festival, Yosemite, California.