Landmark Sitka spruce succumbs to high winds

SEASIDE, Ore. - Sunday's storm proved too powerful for a historic roadside attraction along Highway 26.

After surviving 700 years of storms, the nation's largest Sitka spruce, just outside of Seaside, snapped in half high above the ground.

The Sitka spruce was badly damaged during a windstorm last year and officials had pondered cutting it down, but they decided to let nature have the final say and on Sunday, it did.

Many KATU viewers sent in photos of their time with the giant tree. Our thanks to all those who submitted photos.

Photo submitted by Amy Jacobson

Photo submitted by Bruku

Photo submitted by Chuck Holmes

Photo submitted by David Peterson

Photo submitted by Deb Ross

Photo submitted by Erika Glancy

Photo from 1976 submitted by Helen Hansen

Photo submitted by Lisa Snell

Photo submitted by Mario Vaden

Photo submitted by Nalani Newberry