It is always something, no matter where you live: earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, below zero temperatures, or roasting hot summers. The Olypmpic Peninsula has a triple whammy: earthquakes, volcanoes, and rainfall! The rain is less where I am so I am thankful for that, although I will have a better idea after a few months here.

Earthquakes are potentially a big deal. I am surrounded on all sides by active fault systems. The Cascadia Subduction Zone to the west is the most dangerous and could produce a 9.0 earthquake

This map shows  the mountain fault lines in Olympic National Park and additional ones north of here:

More fault lines run to the east, through Seattle.

Indeed, Tango and I are surrounded by faultlines and there was quite a bit of activity in the area in the early summer. We are above the tsunami zone so that is good news, but we could get shaken to bits. I imagine the RV would collapse in a strong quake so my plan is to run outside if one comes. This would not be the first time. I lived in the SF Bay Area when the 1989 quake hit. I know what it feels like and how unnerving the aftershocks can be.

So, the volcanos. Most people alive today remember or read about the Mt. St. Helens explosion in 1980. Smaller eruptions occured between 2004-2008. But, that is only one of the “Very High Threat” volcanoes that run through this area as you can see on the map below.

Scientists warn about more eruptions, which could occur at any time, but I am not too worried at this point. I guess the tradeoff is living in such a beautiful place. Besides, no one gets out of here alive!

Mt. St. Helens, 1980