There are 172,000 acres of orchards nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, at elevations of 500 to 3,000 feet above sea level. This area was first settled by pioneers at the turn of the nineteenth century. Trees planted along the stream banks tended to be particularly healthy and vigorous. The pioneers developed irrigation systems, and by the end of the century commercial ochards were established. To this day, most of the state's apple-growing districts are still located along the banks of major rivers.
Smaller trees improve harvest efficiency because the apples are easier to reach.
Orchardists can respond more quickly to consumer demand for popular, newer varieties, such as Fuji, Gala, and Braeburn. Washington has seven main production areas. The Yakima Valley is the largest of these and, along with the Columbia Basin, gives the state its famous Fuji. Unique to this particular cultivar is the accumulation of liquid sugar in the flesh of the apple. The Okanogen region in the northern part of the state ensures plenty of late-season fruit.