Recent Washington earthquakes and preparedness efforts

Washington state has seen several recent earthquakes ranging from small tremors near Tacoma and Vashon Island to larger quakes off the west coast. This list of stories illustrates the region's seismic activity, including the possibility of a much larger Cascadia subduction zone event that could cause widespread damage and flooding.

A study on ground sinking after a major earthquake and guidance on tsunami preparedness show that both immediate safety steps and long-term readiness are important. Experts stress that planning and clear communication are key for communities facing earthquake and tsunami hazards.

The Cascadia subduction zone is locked by friction at depths lower than 18 miles. Strain slowly builds up until the fault’s frictional strength is exceeded and the rocks slip past each other in a “megathrust” earthquake.

NO. 1: NEW STUDY SUGGESTS MAJOR PNW EARTHQUAKE COULD MAKE GROUND SINK UP TO 6 FEET

A Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake could cause long-lasting changes to Washington’s landscape, coastline and floodplain, a new study says. | Published May 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Daniel Schrager

Boats and the Narrows Bridge are pictured from the Narrows Brewing Company on Sept. 16, 2024. A magnitude-9.0 earthquake would result in a tsunami that would reach the Puget Sound.

NO. 2: HOW WORRIED SHOULD TACOMA BE ABOUT THE ‘BIG ONE,’ THE LOOMING M-9.0 CASCADIA EARTHQUAKE?

It’s not a matter of whether the disaster will come, but when. | Published September 25, 2024 | Read Full Story by Simone Carter

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NO. 3: MORNING PACIFIC EARTHQUAKES HIT OFF THE WEST COAST. IS A TSUNAMI WARNING IN EFFECT FOR WA?

Multiple earthquakes of 3.0 and higher hit off the west coast on Monday, including one west of Seattle. Here’s what to know. | Published October 18, 2024 | Read Full Story by Genevieve Belmaker

A 3.4-magnitude earthquake struck San Martin in Northern California, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.

NO. 4: 3.0-MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE SHAKES WESTERN WASHINGTON, SEISMOLOGISTS SAY. WHAT TO KNOW

The earthquake struck east of Tacoma. | Published February 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Helena Wegner

A 3.4 magnitude earthquake may have woken up residents near Auburn and east Pierce County on Feb. 22, 2025.

NO. 5: 3.4-MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE NEAR AUBURN, POTENTIALLY FELT IN PARTS OF EAST PIERCE COUNTY

Residents may have felt the earthquake close to 4 a.m. | Published February 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Puneet Bsanti

Two earthquakes, one measuring 4.0-magnitude, hit Pinnacles National Park in California within minutes on New Year’s Eve..

NO. 6: 2.8-MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE SHAKES WESTERN WASHINGTON, SEISMOLOGISTS SAY. WHAT TO KNOW

The quake hit west of Seattle. | Published February 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Helena Wegner

NO. 7: 4.5-MAGNITUDE QUAKE HITS IN WESTERN WASHINGTON, SEISMOLOGISTS SAY. ‘SHOOK US AWAKE’

More than 6,000 people reported feeling the “significant shaking.” | Published March 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Helena Wegner

A 3.3-magnitude earthquake was felt north of Tacoma near Vashon Island Monday night.

NO. 8: REPORTED 3.3-MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE RATTLES AREA NORTH OF TACOMA NEAR VASHON ISLAND

The earthquake struck Monday night. | Published March 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Puneet Bsanti

NO. 9: 3.0-MAGNITUDE QUAKE SHAKES EASTERN WASHINGTON, SEISMOLOGISTS SAY. WHAT TO KNOW

The quake was felt from as far away as British Columbia. | Published April 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Helena Wegner

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.