NEAR SEASIDE, Ore. - What used to be the nation's largest Sitka spruce, before it snapped in half during a damaging windstorm last December, is still a tourist attraction along the Oregon coast.

Problems for the Sitka spruce, named the Klootchy Creek Giant, began in 2006 when a storm knocked a chunk of rotted wood from its core.  In 2007, a windstorm finished it off.

Despite the top missing from the once majestic tree, believed to be between 700 and 750 years old, what is left of the ancient giant is still a sight to behold. 

And there are no signs to keep visitors away, so you can walk right on up to the base of the tree, touch it and get your picture taken - just like thousands of visitors have done for years.

What is different today is that the top of the tree is gone, leftover storm debris is still there and the interpretive sign that used to greet visitors is missing.  Instead, there is a temporary sign that says:

Due to the recent act of vandalism our interpretive sign has been stolen.  The following information is being provided temporarily while we fabricate a new sign.

While walking up to take photos, I overhead a person comment on how sad it was that the landmark Sitka spruce was not only damaged but that someone had to add insult to injury by stealing the interpretive sign.  So true, I thought to myself as I walked up to the base and marveled at how big and tall the tree still is, despite having no top. 

The Klootchy Creek Giant is located off U.S. Highway 26 about 2-1/2 miles southeast of the U.S. 101 junction, five miles from Seaside and Cannon Beach.

Earlier this year, the Big Tree Registry crowned a new champion Sitka spruce - one located at Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint.  It stands 144 feet tall, has a circumference of 48 feet and an average crown spread of 93 feet - much shorter and skinnier than the Klootchy Creek Giant, which topped out at 206 feet and a circumference of 56 feet 1 inch.

The Cape Meares tree is less than an hour's drive south from the remains of the Klootchy Creek Giant.