Landmark Sitka spruce succumbs to high winds

Landmark Sitka spruce succumbs to high winds »Play Video
Photo taken in 1976 submitted by Helen Hansen.

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