From mid-July through October, roadside fruit stands are the best reason to slow down on any drive through the Okanogan Valley. The county is one of Washington's important apple-growing districts, and the stands along US-97 and the back roads sell fruit picked from the surrounding orchards: sweet cherries and apricots in July, peaches and nectarines in August, and apples — dozens of varieties, including older types rarely found in supermarkets — through the autumn.
Prices are low and quality is high. Many stands also sell apple cider in the fall. They operate on the honour system at some locations, staffed by the hour at others. If you are driving through in season, stop at whatever you see — there is no single destination, just a general abundance along the valley roads.