WASHINGTON APPLE ORCHARDS

The fertile valleys and plateaus just east of the Cascade Mountains are not only beautiful — they’re ideal for growing some of the world’s favorite apples.

GROWING REGIONS

Washington has five main growing regions that follow the cool, rushing waters of the Columbia River and its tributaries.

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Okanogan

This is the northernmost growing region in Washington, with shorter growing days and cooler temperatures that produce excellent fruit.

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Lake Chelan

Home to one of the deepest lakes in the world, the Chelan region has a unique temperate microclimate that produces truly exquisite apples.

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Wenatchee Valley

The true heart of Washington apple country. Waterfront orchards along the Columbia and Wenatchee rivers produce apples of every flavor and color.

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Columbia Basin

Ancient lava flows across this broad region left behind rich volcanic soil that helps our growers produce large, delicious apples.

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Yakima Valley

Surrounded by gently rolling mountains, the wide Yakima Valley uses irrigation to create an apple grower’s oasis. This is our largest growing region.

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This is apple country

Washington’s first apple orchard was planted in the 1820s — and 175,000 acres later, we’re still growing. We produce more apples than any other US state, thanks to nutrient-rich soil, arid climate, and our orchardists’ advanced growing techniques.

Watch: The life cycle of an apple tree, from planting to pollination to harvest and pruning.

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