Offensive Okanogan County creek name changed

Washington officials changed an offensive creek name in Okanogan County, Tuesday.

A 6-mile creek, formerly known as Squaw Creek, was renamed Swaram Creek. The new name means “torch light fishing at night” in the Methow language, according to a Department of Natural Resources news release. The name was proposed by Okanogan County residents.

The stream is southwest of Methow in Okanogan County.

The state board of Natural Resources approved the name change at its monthly meeting.

Three other Washington creek names were also changed:

Houle Creek in Kittitas County. Previously unnamed.

Steffen Creek in Snohomish County. Previously unnamed.

Libby Creek in Thurston County. A new name commemorating a homesteading family.

For more information: https://www.dnr.wa.gov/publications/em_bc_bnr_bgnpresentation_120517.pdf