Eureka, CA – A small earthquake struck Northern California early Thursday morning, with light shaking reported east of Willow Creek and near the Trinity National Forest.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the magnitude 2.8 earthquake occurred at 11:32 p.m. Wednesday local time (06:32 UTC Thursday). The quake’s epicenter was about 24 kilometers east of Willow Creek, in a remote section of Humboldt County. It originated at a depth of 29.4 kilometers.
The area lies between Eureka on the coast and Redding along Interstate 5, a region known for frequent seismic activity due to multiple fault systems. No damage or injuries have been reported from the quake, and few residents submitted “Did You Feel It?” responses on the USGS website, suggesting limited impact.
Northern California routinely experiences small tremors, particularly along the Mendocino Triple Junction and Cascadia Subduction Zone. While earthquakes under magnitude 3 are rarely felt, seismologists note they are reminders of the region’s earthquake risk.
Residents in Humboldt and Trinity counties are encouraged to keep emergency kits updated and be prepared for larger events. The California Integrated Seismic Network continues to monitor the area for aftershocks or related seismic activity.
