Our report describes the observations and assessments of the members of the reconnaissance team which visited Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia and surrounding areas a few days after the magnitude 6.8 Nisqually earthquake struck on 28 February, 2001. The report covers the tectonic setting and geology of the region, the source of the earthquake, its strong ground motions, ground damage - liquefaction and landslides, damage to buildings, bridges, lifelines, emergency management, community response, and lessons for New Zealand.