Agriculture Information and Programs

Stevens County Orchards: Our Heritage and Our Valued Asset

The hills and benches along Lake Roosevelt are the only location in Stevens County that is suitable for growing tree fruit. The aspect of the land and the influence of the water make this a suitable climate for tree fruit as well as supplying a source of water for irrigation.

A Century Long Legacy
Although I am not aware of a single source that chronicles the history of tree fruit in Stevens County, we can find bits and pieces that give us a flavor of this long tradition. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries extensive orchards and numerous packinghouses were found along the Columbia River. George Cranston, a long time resident of this area commented: “At one time there was orchards that covered the banks of the Columbia River to the foothills from Gifford, clear on to Kettle Falls, then even north from Kettle Falls” (Peoples History of Stevens County, p. 96). Apples, pears, prunes, peaches and cherries were found in this region.

Some Interesting Numbers
From July 1, 1907 to May 1, 1908 over four million pounds of fruit was shipped from Meyers Falls over the Great Northern Railroad. This included 2,226,300 pounds of apples, 217,960 pounds of pears, and 1,813,355 pounds of prunes. The county fruit inspector examined 40,000 fruit trees bound for Kettle Falls during May 1908. The Hunters Land Company held extensive apple orchards, two packing sheds and three sorting machines in 1908. They hired about 150 men and women during the full harvest season. The Clinton farm had 50 acres of orchard with 5000 trees.

Local Markets Then and Now
Gerome (just south of Hunters and now under water) had several orchards of peaches, apples and cherries that attracted buyers for “many miles around”. Fruit was hauled to the Colville Valley since the valley was considered much too cold to grow tree fruits. Today, the few remaining orchardists sell fruit at local farmers’ markets, a limited amount to local supermarkets, and through their farm stores at the orchard. Perhaps as much as 20% of the fruit grown in Stevens County is sold locally. It does seem odd that most of our locally grown fruit is sold outside the area and most of the fruit purchased by local citizens is imported from other regions.

A Disappearing Legacy
The damning of the Columbia River covered much of the land planted to tree fruits. Even the few remaining orchards seem to struggle for survival. Apparently there were nine orchards along the river 20 years ago, where today there are five. Peachcrest has seen some of its production disappear. The loss of this asset would harm the rural landscape as well as the local economy and would be difficult to rebuild. It may only take a year to grow and harvest a crop of grain or a vegetable crop, but it takes five to seven years to grow a productive orchard.

Coming Home to Eat
The productive land alone Roosevelt Lake could support more orchards than currently exist. The population of Stevens County could certainly support more orchards. All of our family owned and run orchards are open to working with and selling to local citizens. The Community Agricultural Development Center produces a “Farm Fresh Buying Guide” that lists most of the orchards in this area. This buying guide can be found at all libraries, Colville Chamber of Commerce and at Meyers Falls Foods. Copies can also be found at the WSU Stevens County Extension Office. Visiting our local orchards makes a great Fall trip and buying fruit from our orchards ensures they will remain a part of the Stevens County landscape.