Recent earthquakes near Portland
Portland lies between the offshore Cascadia subduction zone and local crustal faults such as the Portland Hills Fault that runs along the city's western edge. A great Cascadia earthquake offshore would shake the region strongly, while a nearer crustal fault could produce sharper local damage. The region's earthquake risk was long underestimated. In the past 24 hours, Portland has recorded no earthquakes above the reporting threshold.
Counts include M2.5+ events — the smallest size USGS reports consistently worldwide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Portland at risk of earthquakes?
Yes. Portland faces both the offshore Cascadia subduction zone, capable of a magnitude 9 earthquake, and local crustal faults such as the Portland Hills Fault. Awareness of these hazards has grown considerably in recent decades.
What is the Cascadia risk for Portland?
A great Cascadia subduction earthquake, the last of which struck in 1700, would produce minutes of strong shaking across the Portland region and damage older buildings and infrastructure. Scientists estimate a meaningful probability of such an event within the next 50 years.
Has Portland had earthquakes?
Portland felt the 1993 'Spring Break Quake' (M5.6) near Scotts Mills, which caused modest damage. Larger earthquakes are less frequent, but the Cascadia zone and local faults make significant future events a real possibility.
Nearby regions
Live data from the USGS earthquake feeds. Magnitudes and depths are automated readings and may be revised. Not for emergency use.