Is Your Neighborhood a Radon Hotspot? The 2026 Clark and Multnomah County Radon Guide
If you live in Vancouver, Portland, Camas, or anywhere in the area, you have probably heard the word radon before. But most of us think it is something that happens somewhere else, not right here in our own neighborhoods. The reality is a bit eye opening. Our local geology actually makes many parts of Clark and Multnomah Counties more likely to have higher radon levels than a lot of other places in the country.
At our company, we help families across the Portland Vancouver metro area figure this out and keep their homes safe. Here is what every local homeowner should know in 2026.
Why the Pacific Northwest Creates So Much Radon
A long time ago, huge Ice Age floods called the Missoula Floods swept through the Columbia Gorge and left behind layers of granite and shale rich soil across what is now Clark and Multnomah Counties. That ancient soil contains uranium that naturally breaks down into radon gas.
Because of this, radon tends to rise up from the ground more easily in our region. Hillsides, ridges, and certain soil types can make it even more likely for the gas to enter homes. Places that feel fresh and beautiful like the hills in Camas or the Alameda Ridge in Portland are not automatically safe. In some cases they can actually be at higher risk.
What neighborhoods in Portland and Vancouver have the highest radon levels?
Neighborhoods built on or near those old flood deposits often show elevated readings. In Portland, the Alameda Ridge, parts of Northeast Portland including Piedmont and Montavilla, and areas around Mt. Tabor tend to test higher. In Clark County, Salmon Creek, Battle Ground, and certain parts of Vancouver and Camas frequently come up as hotspots.
Keep in mind that radon can vary a lot from one house to the next, even on the same street. The only way to know for sure is to test your own home.
The Real Risk for Families Here
The EPA says you should take action when radon reaches 4.0 pCi/L. In our area, quite a few homes go above that level. Many others sit in the 2 to 4 range where lowering the levels is still a smart idea.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer overall and the number one cause for people who do not smoke. The great news is that it is completely preventable once you know it is there.
Do Not Guess. Just Test Your Home.
The smartest thing you can do is test. We make it easy with our single visit bundles that combine a full home inspection and certified radon testing in one trip. You do not have to schedule multiple visits or wonder what the results really mean.
We get asked the same questions all the time:
Is radon worse in homes with basements?
Do newer homes have less radon?
Should I test before buying or selling?
The short answer is yes in many cases, but every home is different. Testing gives you the clear answers you need.
What You Should Do Next
If you live in or near Salmon Creek, Battle Ground, the Alameda Ridge, Mt. Tabor, or any of the surrounding areas, it is worth testing this year.
When levels come back high, fixing the problem is usually straightforward and very effective. Most mitigation systems can drop radon levels dramatically with very little disruption to your daily life.
Living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest should not come with hidden worries under your floor. A simple test brings real peace of mind for you and your family.
Ready to check your home? Give us a call or book online. We serve all of Clark and Multnomah Counties including Vancouver, Portland, Camas, and Battle Ground.
We would love to help you make sure your house stays a safe place for the people you love.
Schedule Your Radon Test Today!
Protect what matters most. Start with knowing what is really under your roof.
