Magnitude 3.2 Earthquake Hits Near Seattle

Light shaking felt in major metropolitan area, according to USGS.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A magnitude 3.2 earthquake struck near Monroe, Washington early Tuesday morning, with light shaking reported in the Seattle metropolitan area. The quake hit at a depth of 23.9 kilometers and generated over 250 reports to the USGS from locals about the strength of the tremors.

Why it matters

While this earthquake was relatively minor, the Pacific Northwest faces a high risk of a potentially devastating megaquake due to the Cascadia Subduction Zone, where the Juan de Fuca plate is sliding under the North American plate. Smaller quakes like this one are common in the region and serve as a reminder of the seismic activity in the area.

The details

The magnitude 3.2 quake struck around the Cathcart area near Monroe, Washington at approximately 5:42 a.m. local time. Most residents reported only light or no shaking from the tremor. This was one of three earthquakes of magnitude 2.5 or higher to hit Washington state in the last 30 days, with previous quakes near Bainbridge Island and Anacortes.

  • The earthquake occurred at approximately 5:42 a.m. on February 25, 2026.
  • In the last 30 days, three earthquakes of magnitude 2.5 or higher have hit Washington state.

The players

United States Geological Survey (USGS)

The USGS is the scientific agency of the United States government that studies the landscape, natural resources, and natural hazards of the country.

Pacific Northwest Seismic Network (PNSN)

The PNSN is a cooperative organization that monitors earthquake and volcanic activity in the Pacific Northwest region.

Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

The DNR is the Washington state agency responsible for managing and protecting the state's natural resources, including monitoring seismic activity.

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The takeaway

While this earthquake was relatively minor, it serves as a reminder that the Pacific Northwest faces a high risk of a potentially devastating megaquake due to the Cascadia Subduction Zone. Smaller quakes like this one are common in the region and underscore the importance of earthquake preparedness for residents.