I don't know if you consider Missoula, MT near Seattle, but I'm sure you can grow just about any variety your heart desires in your climate. I have planted a Rainier, and a Dwarf North Star, and a Lambert so far, and they are doing really well in our neck of the woods. Believe it or not, I have even found a nectarine variety hardy to zone 4. Very exciting! I have done my tree and shrub shopping in the fall for the past two years and have found some amazing sale prices - $14 pear tree, $17 apricot! The planting goes well since the trees go dormant and require little care until spring. There is a great website that may inspire you and answer more of your fruit tree questions. www.ext.nodak.edu.
