How to Scatter Ashes in a National Park: What Rangers Wish You Knew
Glacier National Park
As a former wilderness guide and part of a family of rangers, I can tell you: there’s no better place to scatter ashes than in our most iconic and sacred landscapes—from Yellowstone to Hawai‘i, Glacier, or the Tetons. But it takes planning, sensitivity, and a deep respect for the land and its caretakers.
🌿 See Available National Park Destinations →
📞 Speak to a Memorial Specialist: (515) 206-4845
bonaventurememorial@gmail.com
Park Ranger Joseph Sherbon scales the Teton traverse
Whether you're hiking into a glacial basin or scattering ashes beneath the bioluminescence of the Puget Sound, this guide will help you honor your loved one in a way that’s legal, respectful, and deeply meaningful.
Why National Parks Are the Most Healing Place to Say Goodbye
There’s something primal about being surrounded by mountains, water, or red rock canyons while processing grief. These places offer scale—and silence. The wild invites us to let go, literally and spiritually. For many families, saying goodbye in a place of natural wonder gives comfort in knowing their loved one’s memory lives on in something enduring.
BONAVENTURE’s Whispers of the Wild and America the Beautiful packages offer ceremonies across the most treasured parks in the U.S.—with environmental responsibility at the core.
What Rangers Wish You Knew About Scattering Ashes in a National Park
✅ Yes, You Can Scatter Ashes in a National Park—But You Need a Permit
All National Parks allow scattering with a special use permit. These are free but must be applied for in advance. Permits can be denied or delayed—so don’t wait until the last minute.
⚠️ Follow These Core Guidelines:
🌿 How to Scatter Ashes Respectfully in the Wild
A Field Guide to Honoring Your Loved One—and the Land
When you scatter ashes in a national park or public wild space, you’re not just saying goodbye—you’re stepping into sacred ground. The following guidelines help preserve the beauty of these places for everyone who comes after, while ensuring that your ceremony is meaningful, peaceful, and compliant with federal regulations.
🌿 See Available National Park Destinations →
📞 Speak to a Memorial Specialist: (515) 206-4845
bonaventurememorial@gmail.com
Park Ranger Joseph Sherbon navigates a saddle in the mountains.
⚠️ Follow These Core Guidelines to Scatter Like a Ranger
1. Avoid High-Traffic Areas
Skip the overlooks, boardwalks, and famous trails. These may seem like the most scenic spots—but they’re rarely private, and scattering ashes in crowded areas can draw unwanted attention or discomfort. Choose places of solitude, where your moment won’t interrupt someone else’s connection to the land.
🌲 Bonaventure tip: We consult with park rangers to identify serene, lesser-known sites that offer both privacy and breathtaking beauty—with minimal environmental impact.
2. Be Discreet
Ash scattering should feel like a whisper, not a declaration. Dress simply, speak softly, and avoid conspicuous setups like flower arrangements, chairs, or musical devices. A quiet, reverent presence protects the sanctity of both your ceremony and the place you’re in.
3. Do Not Leave a Pile
Ashes should be scattered in a wide, sweeping motion—not poured in a heap. This allows the remains to return gently to the earth and avoids drawing attention from wildlife or other visitors. It also minimizes disruption to fragile soil, mosses, and microbes that form the foundation of wilderness ecosystems.
4. Leave No Markers or Mementos
As tempting as it is to leave a stone, flower, or plaque, these items violate Leave No Trace principles and can disrupt delicate habitats. Your memory lives in the moment—not in the things left behind.
🌿 All BONAVENTURE scatterings follow strict “leave no trace” practices, with optional memorial plaques mailed directly to you rather than left in nature.
5. Avoid Inland Waterways
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prohibits scattering ashes in inland lakes, rivers, or streams. If you’re drawn to water, opt for permitted ocean scatterings—these must occur three nautical miles from shore and require a one-time notification to the EPA.
🌊 Looking for a safe, meaningful way to scatter at sea? BONAVENTURE offers ocean ash scattering packages with full EPA compliance. Explore ocean options
6. Respect Other Visitors
Remember: every person in a national park is seeking something sacred. Move quietly and graciously. If others are nearby, wait or walk farther before beginning your ceremony. Your reverence sets the tone—and honors both your loved one and the wild.
7.Check local regulations in advance
Every National Park has its own specific rules and permitting processes regarding ash scattering. Some require special use permits, others have seasonal restrictions or designated areas. It’s important to research these details well before your visit to avoid disappointment or unintentional rule-breaking. At BONAVENTURE, we guide families through the permit application process to ensure everything is done properly and respectfully.
8. Time it right
Choosing the right time of day can deeply enhance your ceremony. Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) offers softer light, cooler temperatures, and far fewer visitors, allowing for a more intimate and serene farewell. Avoid busy midday hours when parks are most crowded and noisy. This timing also helps protect your privacy and the solemnity of the moment.
9. Mind the wind
Wind direction plays a crucial role when scattering ashes. Always check the wind before beginning your ceremony, and position yourself upwind so the ashes drift gently and naturally, without lingering on you or nearby visitors. This small step helps ensure the scattering is graceful and environmentally considerate.
10. Avoid ceremonial materials without approval
While it may be tempting to add flower petals, candles, or biodegradable urns to your ceremony, many parks have strict rules about what can be left behind. Even natural materials can disrupt local ecosystems or attract wildlife. Always check park policies before bringing any extras. BONAVENTURE follows a strict Leave No Trace ethic and avoids adding anything that could harm the environment.
11. ⛺️ Be Smart, Safe, and Sustainable
A scattering journey is a sacred experience—but it’s also an adventure. If you’re visiting a national park to honor your loved one, a little preparation goes a long way in making your trip meaningful, stress-free, and environmentally conscious.
12. 🦬 Wildlife Etiquette Matters
Scattering ashes in wild places means respecting those who call it home. In the fall, elk are in rut and can become aggressive—keep your distance and carry bear spray in areas where bears are active. And yes, bison jams are real: herds often block traffic for hours. Build in plenty of travel time and practice patience. These delays are part of the rhythm of wild places.
🌿 See Available National Park Destinations →
📞 Speak to a Memorial Specialist: (515) 206-4845
bonaventurememorial@gmail.com
BONAVENTURE’s Commitment to the Parks We Love
At BONAVENTURE, our work begins and ends with reverence—for the land, for the legacy of your loved one, and for the wild places that hold our nation’s most treasured stories. We don’t just offer ash scattering in national parks. We are part of these landscapes ourselves. Our team includes former and current park rangers, environmental scientists, and seasoned outdoor guides—people who have spent their lives walking these trails, protecting these ecosystems, and helping others find meaning in nature.
One of our core team members is an environmental ranger with specific expertise in soil and aquatic impact. This ensures that every scattering we perform is not only legal but ecologically sound.
We also consult directly with park rangers and local land stewards to choose scattering locations that minimize environmental impact—while still offering families the most beautiful, meaningful experience possible. Every site is carefully selected with both ecology and emotion in mind.
Here's how we give back to the places we love:
🌱 We plant 10 native trees for every scattering, helping offset carbon and contribute to long-term ecosystem restoration.
🪶 We only use biodegradable materials—no plastic, synthetic flowers, or items that don’t belong in the wild.
🏞️ We follow and teach Leave No Trace principles, helping families engage with nature respectfully during their farewell.
📋 We help families secure National Park Service scattering permits early—reducing administrative burdens and avoiding last-minute stress.
🎒 We educate families about safety with the 10 Essentials—from navigation tools to weather protection—so they’re prepared for every condition, even if they aren’t attending the scattering in person.
These aren't just policies—they’re part of our promise to protect the very places where your loved ones become part of something eternal.
How to Prepare for Your Scattering Trip
📦 Ship Ashes Safely
Use the Cremated Remains Kit from USPS for secure and trackable shipping. BONAVENTURE can guide you step by step.
🌾 Choose the Right Season for Scattering Ashes
Each season brings a distinct rhythm to nature—shaping not only the landscapes you'll encounter, but also the emotional resonance of your goodbye. Whether you're scattering ashes in the Tetons, the Pacific Coast, or amid the Monarch migration, the right timing matters. Here’s how to choose:
🌱 Spring: Shoulder Season & Beautiful Snow Melt
Spring is perfect for families looking for closure among the fresh running streams and as parks are waking up: As snow melts across higher altitudes, lower elevation parks like Zion and Olympic National Park come alive with waterfalls, wildflowers, and wildlife.
Spring weather can be unpredictable, so pack the 10 hiking essentials and choose areas with accessible trails. It's an ideal season for symbolic ceremonies focused on renewal and peace.
☀️ Summer: Full Access, Lots of Wildflowers
Summer opens the door to nearly every destination—from alpine meadows in Glacier National Park to coastal bioluminescent bays. But with full access comes full crowds.
To find privacy in peak season, we recommend scattering ashes at dawn or dusk, when light is golden, trails are quieter, and wildlife stirs. It's a beautiful time for places like Yellowstone or a Hot Air Balloon Scattering over the desert.
BONAVENTURE handles timing and permits so your family can focus on presence, not logistics.
🍂 Fall: Solitude and Spectacle
Autumn is one of the most powerful seasons to say goodbye. Trees burn with gold, elk call in misty meadows, and many parks empty out—leaving space for deep reflection. Consider Monarch Migration sites, Badlands, or the vibrant Rocky Mountains during this colorful transition.
Our Heartland Journey and Return to Nature packages are specially designed to align with this quieter, reflective time of year.
More Resources
Choose a Destination That Reflects Their Spirit
From the crystalline peaks of Glacier to the volcanic cliffs of Hawai‘i, BONAVENTURE helps families find the place that feels like home for their goodbye.
Explore some of our most beloved packages:
Let the Wild Say It For You
The greatest honor we can give someone is to let them rest where the earth is still untamed. If you're ready to begin planning or just want to talk to someone who understands both the emotional and logistical path ahead, we're here.
Contact BONAVENTURE to plan a legal, sustainable, and soulful farewell.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sarah-Marie Sherbon is a writer, mother, and a co-founder of BONAVENTURE, a destination ash scattering service devoted to helping families say goodbye in places that still feel sacred.
Her reverence for the wild was shaped over years in the national parks—kayaking through the rugged archipelago of Isle Royale, hiking beneath the emerald ballet of light in Mount Rainier’s rainforest, and breathing in the wildflower-sweetened stillness of Yellowstone’s hidden places. Today, she draws on those experiences to guide families toward tributes rooted in beauty, memory, and return—because some goodbyes deserve a view that takes your breath away.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scattering Ashes in Yellowstone
Q: Can I scatter ashes in Yellowstone National Park?
A: Yes—with a special use permit from the National Park Service.
special use permit from NPS here
Q: Do I need a guide or service to scatter ashes in Yellowstone?
A: It’s not required, but many families find it helpful to work with a service like BONAVENTURE to manage permits, weather, and remote access. Our Yellowstone package includes all of that—and more.
Q: When is the best time to scatter ashes in Yellowstone?
A: September offers mild weather and fewer crowds. Spring and winter can be stunning but require more advanced planning and gear.
Q: How long does it take to get a scattering permit in Yellowstone?
A: Processing times vary, but it can take several weeks—especially in peak season. Apply as early as possible to avoid delays. If you're short on time, BONAVENTURE can help expedite the process as part of our service.
Q: Where are you allowed to scatter ashes in Yellowstone?
A: Scattering is typically allowed in undeveloped areas at least 100 yards from water sources, roads, trails, and developed visitor areas. The NPS will provide location-specific guidance when they issue your permit.
Q: Can I bring ashes in through the airport or ship them?
A: Yes. TSA allows you to carry cremated remains in your carry-on luggage, but not all urns are scannable. Use a temporary plastic or cardboard container when flying. If you're shipping ashes for a service like BONAVENTURE’s, you must use USPS’s Cremated Remains Kit, which complies with federal regulations. Q: Can I bring or ship ashes to Yellowstone?
For flying, use a TSA-approved plastic or cardboard urn. For shipping, use USPS’s Cremated Remains Kit.
Q: What do I need to bring for a safe and respectful scattering?
A: At minimum: your permit, GPS or map, bear spray, proper footwear, and the Ten Essentials (including layers for sudden weather changes). Many families also bring a journal, flower petals, or a photo for a simple private ceremony.
Q: What should I bring for a safe, meaningful scattering?
A: Your permit, 10 Essentials, bear spray, map, and any personal tokens (petals, journal, photo). Treat it like a sacred backcountry hike.
🌿 See Available National Park Destinations →
📞 Speak to a Memorial Specialist: (515) 206-4845
bonaventurememorial@gmail.com
Respecting the Environment, Honoring the Memory
At Bonaventure, every farewell is more than a goodbye—it’s a promise to the earth as well as to the one we’ve lost. With a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, we work hand-in-hand with park rangers, local conservationists, and ecological experts to ensure that every ash scattering ceremony honors both memory and the natural world.
Whether the ashes are released into alpine air, sunlit waters, or wildflower fields, our team follows strict eco-conscious protocols, including:
No synthetic materials or invasive species
Adherence to all EPA and National Park Service guidelines
Site-specific timing to protect native flora and fauna
Sustainable, low-impact practices at every destination
We plant 10 trees for every scattering
We partner with park rangers to ensure the safest, most eco-friendly scattering possible
By protecting the sacred spaces where we scatter, we ensure they remain untouched and awe-inspiring—for your family, for future generations, and for the earth itself.
A Tribute to Remember, A Legacy to Cherish
From the snow-capped majesty of the Grand Tetons to the wildflower meadows of Mount Rainier, Bonaventure helps families craft a farewell that is as breathtaking as it is heartfelt. Imagine saying goodbye under the golden light of a monarch butterfly migration, or with whales breaching along the Puget Sound Whale Trail.
These aren’t just ceremonies—they are moments of connection. They are acts of reverence. They are legacies written on the wind, the water, the wild.
Bonaventure’s unaccompanied ash scattering services make these moments possible by:
Handling every logistical detail with grace and care
Ensuring legal compliance and environmental harmony
Providing optional memorial plaques and GPS tracking for your family’s peace of mind
Curating locations chosen not just for beauty, but for meaning
🌿 See Available National Park Destinations →
📞 Speak to a Memorial Specialist: (515) 206-4845
bonaventurememorial@gmail.com
Why Timing Enhances the Tribute
By thoughtfully aligning each ceremony with nature’s calendar, BONAVENTURE ensures:
Unmatched Beauty: Your loved one’s farewell unfolds in nature’s finest hour—when wildflowers bloom, the light turns golden, or the sea glows with bioluminescence.
Peace and Privacy: We schedule scatterings to avoid crowds, closures, and extremes—ensuring a quiet, undisturbed experience.
Environmental Integrity: Seasonal timing helps protect delicate ecosystems and habitats, preserving these sacred landscapes for generations to come.
Seasonality is more than practical—it’s poetic. BONAVENTURE honors not just where your loved one rests, but when. Each ash scattering is timed with care to unfold in a moment of natural grace—offering a farewell that is reverent, resonant, and profoundly connected to the rhythms of the earth.
FAMILY LEGACY IN THE NATIONAL PARKS
Bonaventure was born from generations spent walking the wild edges of this country—serving as park rangers, guides, and stewards of America’s most sacred landscapes. Together, we’ve planned ceremonies for royalty, navigated avalanches with radios slung over our shoulders, and stood beneath the northern lights waiting for the hush before dawn.
Our family has nearly a century of combined experience in the National Parks. We've climbed peaks, captained sailboats, and led thousands of guests through these extraordinary places. BONAVENTURE is our way of passing that reverence on—crafting custom tributes that honor each life with beauty, excellence, and care.
But through it all, what’s endured is story. The stories of those who came to these places to remember. To return. To let go.
We created BONAVENTURE to offer something worthy of that final chapter: a farewell not rushed or transactional, but reverent. Custom tributes crafted with intention. Ash scatterings carried out with park permission, environmental care, and deep personal respect.
We are foremost a family of storytellers. And in the story, the ending is what matters most.
For National Park Scattering: Permits & Resources
If you're considering a National Park as your scattering site, be sure to follow proper procedures. BONAVENTURE handles permits for our services, but families should be aware of:
