Earthquakes Near Portland Today
Live answer from USGS data — every earthquake within 150 km (93 mi) of Portland, Oregon.
Checking live USGS data near Portland…
Why Portland gets earthquakes
Portland's earthquake risk is dominated by the Cascadia Subduction Zone, which last ruptured in a full-margin M9 on January 26, 1700, and has roughly a 1-in-3 chance of a major quake in the next 50 years by some estimates. But the city also has crustal faults of its own — the Portland Hills fault runs under downtown's west side.
The 1993 'Spring Break Quake' at Scotts Mills (M5.6) cracked the Capitol rotunda in Salem and reminded Oregonians that local faults are active too. Much of Portland's older brick building stock and its liquefaction-prone riverfront industrial land are the focus of ongoing retrofit debates.
Portland earthquake FAQ
▸Did Portland just have an earthquake?
The live panel at the top of this page checks the USGS catalog for every earthquake within 150 km of Portland and answers in one line. Keep in mind USGS data lags real shaking by roughly 2–3 minutes in California and up to ~8 minutes in other regions — if you felt something seconds ago, refresh shortly.
▸What faults cause earthquakes near Portland?
Portland faces the Cascadia Subduction Zone (M9 potential, last rupture in 1700) plus local crustal faults: the Portland Hills fault under the west side, the East Bank fault, and the Gales Creek–Mount Angel system that produced the 1993 Scotts Mills M5.6.
▸What magnitude earthquake can you feel in Portland, OR?
Close to the epicenter, people typically begin to feel earthquakes around magnitude 2.5–3.0. An M4+ is felt across a wide area and rattles objects; M5+ can damage buildings near the epicenter. Shallow quakes feel stronger than deep ones of the same magnitude, and soft soils amplify shaking.
▸What should I do if I feel an earthquake in Portland?
Drop, Cover, and Hold On — get low, take cover under sturdy furniture, and hold on until shaking stops. Afterward, check for hazards like gas leaks, and expect possible aftershocks. If you're in a coastal area and the shaking is strong or lasts a long time, move inland or to high ground. Official guidance: ready.gov/earthquakes.