Olympia, Washington – Two small earthquakes struck the region south of Seattle on Friday, rattling parts of southwest Washington and nearby Oregon but causing no reported damage or injuries.
According to the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network, the first quake registered a magnitude 2.5 and occurred early Friday near Ashford, about 16 kilometers northeast of the town and southeast of Mount Rainier. The earthquake was shallow, with a depth of roughly 7 kilometers, a factor that can sometimes make even weaker quakes more noticeable to nearby residents.
Later Friday, a second earthquake with a magnitude of 2.7 was recorded near Pe Ell in Lewis County, approximately 5 kilometers west-southwest of the town. That quake was significantly deeper, measured at more than 40 kilometers below the surface, which likely limited how strongly it was felt at ground level. A small number of residents reported feeling light shaking from both events.
The earthquakes were detected by the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network and reviewed by seismologists, who noted that small-magnitude quakes like these are relatively common in the region. Washington and Oregon sit atop a complex network of faults influenced by the Cascadia Subduction Zone, where the Juan de Fuca Plate slowly slides beneath the North American Plate.
Emergency management officials emphasized that these earthquakes do not change the region’s overall seismic risk but serve as a reminder that earthquakes can occur at any time. Residents are encouraged to review basic earthquake safety steps, including securing heavy furniture and knowing how to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.”
No aftershocks or additional seismic activity of concern were reported immediately following the quakes. Seismologists will continue monitoring the area for any related activity.
While the tremors were minor, experts note that even small earthquakes provide valuable data that help scientists better understand stress changes deep underground. For now, no disruptions are expected, and daily activity across southwest Washington and nearby Oregon continues as normal.
