• Bioregion ("Land of Falling Waters"): Defined by the watersheds of the Columbia, Fraser, and Snake rivers rather than arbitrary political borders.
• Regional Identity: A "state of mind" focused on a shared love of place, environmental stewardship, and a unique culture that transcends the 49th parallel.
• Sustainability & "Thin Green Line": A movement focused on creating a resilient, regenerative, and carbon-neutral society, acting as a barrier against fossil fuel extraction and climate change.
• Independence & Autonomy: While ranging from cultural to political, the movement seeks greater autonomy, with significant support for a sovereign nation, especially in British Columbia.
• Decolonization: Aims to support Indigenous sovereignties, land return, and shared stewardship of the land.

• Core Area: Comprises British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon.
• Expanded Area: Frequently includes Idaho, Southeast Alaska, and Northern California, extending east to the Continental Divide (Yellowstone Caldera).
• Key Features: Temperate rainforests, the Cascade mountain range, and the Pacific coastline.

Cultural and Economic Significance

• Economy: If independent, Cascadia would have one of the world's largest economies (estimated top 10–15), with a strong focus on tech, green energy, and natural resources.
• Symbols: The "Doug" flag, designed by Alexander Baretich in 1994, is a common symbol representing the forests (green), mountains (white), and water (blue).
• Popular Culture: Seen in the Cascadia Cup (soccer rivalry), "Cascadia Dark Ale" (beer style), and "Cascadian Black Metal".
• The "Big One": The region is shaped by the Cascadia Subduction Zone, a major fault line responsible for significant earthquakes and volcanoes.

The concept of Cascadia is increasingly used to promote cross-border cooperation in disaster preparedness, transportation, and economic development.