Located adjacent to U.S. Highway 26, about 2.5 miles east of U.S. Highway 101, is the famous and previous national-record-breaking, Klootchy Creek Park. The moderate-level trails and secluded creek offer relaxing strolls and incredible scenery. A quick drive inland will see you at the root of this historic tree and park.
A Piece of History
The 25-acre, Clatsop County-owned park once held the largest Sitka Spruce tree in the United States. Standing at 216 feet tall and 56 feet around. A portion of the tree, believed to have started its life at the year 1218, met an unfortunate demise in 2007. Fell by a severe windstorm in December of 2007, the tree serves as a constant reminder to the abundant amount of nutrients the forest offers. The 17-foot-diameter stump can still be seen at the trailhead of the park, and two of its fallen sections can be found throughout the park.
After visiting the grand stump, make sure to walk through the various trails. One of my personal favorite walks in the park is to keep right at the trailhead. This will allow you to walk right alongside the creek. Some parts of the trails will overlook the water, offering astonishing camera angles for the curious photographer. The local flora and fauna make for the perfect pair at Klootchy Creek.
Looking for a quick and scenic walk? Want to see a part of Oregon’s natural history? Klootchy Creek Park fits the bill and may just become a part of your regular visits to Seaside. You can learn more about the historic tree and its significance to Klootchy Creek Park here.
