Licton Springs Park

About

Licton Springs was once used for spiritual and therapeutic healing by the Duwamish and surrounding Salish people. After the Stevens Treaties (1854-1856), Native people were barred from accessing Licton Springs. Settler David Denny purchased 160 acres of land in North Seattle which included Licton Springs. At this time other springs were flowing before later being capped, and many people utilized the pools as a therapeutic escape from the “city”, claiming the same healing properties that Salish people already knew. In 1961, The City of Seattle purchased the 6.3-acre property and the City finished what is now Licton Springs Park in 1975.

This park marks a Duwamish place called “liq’təd” (leEK-tud). The name translates to “red paint” in Lushootseed, a language within the Coast Salish language family. This place is called “liq’təd” because of the red ochre / iron oxide that flows from the ground. Duwamish and surrounding Salish people traditionally came to this natural site for spiritual and therapeutic healing. This site showcases a natural system that has continued to pour since time immemorial.

In October 2019, Licton Springs became a City of Seattle Historical Landmark. It marks the first Coast Salish cultural landmark ever designated. It was an uphill battle, but grassroots advocates stated that Licton Springs “cannot be re-located, replaced, or re-recreated” and that ultimately it is “inseparable from the land”. Due to the landmark agreement, liq’təd cannot be interrupted from flowing its red paint. It can continue to be a source of ceremonial practice as well as an educational spot for those who want to advocate for the natural landscape.

Current Projects

Visit the Licton Springs Public Restroom project page to learn more about the project.