The Rising Popularity of Ash Scattering
Why More Families Are Choosing Nature Over Cemeteries
As cremation becomes the dominant choice in the U.S., many families are asking a deeply personal question: “Now what?”
The answer, more often than ever, is ash scattering—a beautiful, flexible, and increasingly popular way to say goodbye. Whether it’s a mountain peak, ocean shore, or forest trail, scattering ashes in a meaningful place allows families to create a one-of-a-kind farewell rooted in nature, not tradition.
According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), nearly 60% of Americans now choose cremation over traditional burial, and that number is expected to reach 80% by 2040. As this shift grows, families are looking beyond urns and cemeteries toward something more symbolic, more personal, and more connected to the world around them.
🌿 See Available National Park Destinations →
📞 Speak to a Memorial Specialist: (515) 206-4845
📧 bonaventurememorial@gmail.com
Why Families Choose Nature-Based Memorials
These locations offer more than scenic views—they create an atmosphere of stillness, awe, and reflection. Mountains, forests, and coastlines evoke a sense of permanence and renewal, making them the perfect backdrop for a deeply personal ceremony. Ash scattering in these settings can feel like a “return to source”—a way to honor life’s full circle in the presence of nature’s timeless rhythms.
🌿 Why Ash Scattering Is Becoming the Preferred Tribute
Ash scattering isn’t just a trend—it’s a reflection of changing values. Families today want to celebrate life in ways that feel meaningful, intentional, and aligned with both emotional needs and environmental ethics.
✨ 1. It’s Personal, Not Generic
Traditional cemetery plots can feel impersonal—rows of stones in a manicured lawn. Ash scattering, by contrast, can take place in a location that held meaning: a national park you hiked together, the beach where they loved to walk, or a mountaintop that captured their adventurous spirit.
The NFDA’s 2024 Consumer Preferences Report found that 52% of respondents had attended funerals in non-traditional locations—parks, beaches, and scenic overlooks. Families are drawn to memorials that feel authentic, not formal or forced.
🌱 2. It Aligns with Eco-Conscious Values
More than 68% of Americans now express interest in “green” end-of-life options. Ash scattering leaves no chemicals, no concrete, and no trace—making it one of the most sustainable memorial choices available.
Compare that with:
Embalming fluids and caskets that take decades (or centuries) to decompose
Concrete burial vaults that contribute to land use and carbon emissionsCemeteries that require perpetual landscaping and maintenance
Thousands of acres of forest are harvested for caskets every year
Scattering allows your loved one to return to the earth naturally, without disruption or waste.
3. It Creates a Lasting Emotional Connection
Families often say that scattering ashes in a beloved place brings closure in a way that static memorials can’t. You’re not just visiting a grave—you’re visiting a place filled with memory and meaning. For some, that becomes a new pilgrimage spot. For others, it’s the final, peaceful goodbye they’ve been longing for.
At BONAVENTURE, we hear this again and again:
“Scattering his ashes in the Tetons felt like giving him the ending he deserved. We didn’t need a headstone—we have the mountain.”
4. It Offers Flexibility When Families Are Far Apart
Many families today are geographically spread out. Ash scattering solves the common challenge of: “Where do we bury them if no one lives here anymore?”
With destination scattering, families can choose a neutral, meaningful, or even shared national landmark that all generations can connect to—no matter where they live.
Plus, BONAVENTURE offers a personalized wooden plaque with GPS coordinates of the scattering site, so the memory lives on, even if you can’t return often.
National Parks and Natural Settings: The New Sacred Spaces
In recent years, national parks and protected natural landscapes have become more than just destinations—they’ve become sacred spaces for remembrance. For families who choose cremation, scattering ashes in a beloved natural setting offers both emotional peace and symbolic beauty. In fact, the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) reports that 30% of cremation families are interested in scattering ashes in a national park or natural location, a number that continues to rise as more people seek meaningful, eco-conscious ways to say goodbye.
BONAVENTURE’s Fully Permitted Destinations
At BONAVENTURE, we’ve curated a list of 18 stunning, pre-approved scattering sites across the U.S. Each location has been carefully selected for its natural beauty, accessibility, and compliance with federal or state guidelines. These include:
🌋 Yellowstone, Glacier, and Zion National Parks
For those who loved the mountains, geysers, or desert canyons—these breathtaking parks offer iconic, wide-open landscapes filled with symbolism and serenity.
🏔️ Mount Rainier and the Olympic Peninsula
Lush alpine meadows, misty peaks, and quiet forest trails make these Washington-based sites ideal for peaceful, private ceremonies.
🌊 Quiet Coastal Locations like Ruby Beach (along the Whale Trail)
For ocean lovers, this windswept stretch of the Pacific offers a moving farewell alongside crashing waves and endless sky.
🌿 See Available National Park Destinations →
📞 Speak to a Memorial Specialist: (515) 206-4845
📧 bonaventurememorial@gmail.com
🌿 Guidelines for Ash Scattering in National Parks
While national parks are beautiful and deeply meaningful, they’re also federally protected lands—so it’s important to honor both the spirit of the place and the environmental guidelines in place.
Here are key tips for families:
✅ Apply for a Special Use Permit
Most parks require this permit for scattering ceremonies. BONAVENTURE handles this on your behalf, but if you’re planning privately, reach out to the park’s visitor center well in advance.
✅ Respect the Land
Ashes should be scattered away from trails, water sources, or archaeological sites. Parks typically prohibit leaving behind any markers, plaques, or artificial decorations.
✅ Follow a “Leave No Trace” Philosophy
This means:
Scattering in a way that blends with the natural environment
Avoiding crowds or sensitive habitats
Leaving the area as pristine as you found it
✅ Consider Timing and Seasons
Weather, wildfire risk, and seasonal visitor volume can all impact the availability or experience of a park-based ceremony. Midweek or off-season ceremonies often provide more privacy.
Scattering ashes in nature is more than a symbolic gesture—it’s an act of connection. These sacred places provide:
Space for Reflection: Wide open skies, quiet trails, and breathtaking views create the stillness many seek after loss.
A Living Legacy: Ash scattering in a national park becomes part of a living ecosystem. The land continues to grow, breathe, and flourish—just like your loved one’s memory.
Freedom from Clutter: With no headstones or artificial markers, the beauty of the place speaks for itself. Families often return to visit, hike, or sit in quiet remembrance.
👉 Tip: Always contact the specific park office before planning your tripReady to Plan a Memorial That Feels Right?
Ash scattering is a deeply personal, profoundly natural way to say goodbye. If you’re ready to explore this option—or need help finding the perfect destination—our Memorial Specialists are here to guide you.
🌿 See Available National Park Destinations →
📞 Speak to a Memorial Specialist: (515) 206-4845
📧 bonaventurememorial@gmail.com
🤝 When a Scattering Service Makes Sense
The legal details, permit applications, and logistics can feel overwhelming—especially during grief. That’s why many families turn to a professional ash scattering service for peace of mind.
How BONAVENTURE Makes It Simple and Beautiful
At BONAVENTURE, we specialize in unaccompanied ash scattering ceremonies in some of the most awe-inspiring natural destinations in the country. We take care of the entire process—so you can focus on the tribute, not the paperwork.
✅ We Handle Every Legal Requirement
From national park permits to EPA reporting, our team ensures complete legal compliance with care and precision.
📍 18 Breathtaking, Pre-Approved Locations
From Yellowstone’s vast valleys to Hawaiʻi’s glowing volcanic shores, our destinations are chosen for their natural beauty and spiritual resonance.
📦 From Home to Tribute—We Handle It All
Free USPS Cremains Kit delivered to your door— available at your local USPS or online
All permits and ceremony planning managed by our team
Quiet, scheduled scattering with deep respect
🪵 A Lasting Keepsake for Your Family
Each family receives a handcrafted wooden plaque with:
The name of your loved one
GPS coordinates of the scattering site
Optional inlaid ashes sealed on the back
Plan with Confidence. Mourn with Peace.
You shouldn’t have to choose between honoring a life well lived and navigating red tape. At BONAVENTURE, we make it possible to do both—with reverence, beauty, and full legal compliance.
🌿 See Available National Park Destinations →
📞 Speak to a Memorial Specialist: (515) 206-4845
📧 bonaventurememorial@gmail.com
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is it legal to scatter ashes?
Yes. In most cases, scattering ashes is completely legal—as long as you follow location-specific guidelines. National parks typically require a permit, sea scatterings must follow EPA regulations, and private property requires the owner’s permission. BONAVENTURE handles all of this for you.
❓ Are ashes bad luck?
No—ashes are not bad luck. But it’s understandable why some people feel uncertain. For many families, keeping ashes at home brings discomfort or a sense of being “stuck.” Scattering ashes in a beautiful, natural place often brings a deep sense of peace, healing, and closure. It’s not about superstition—it’s about finding a way to say goodbye that feels meaningful.
❓ Can we choose where the ashes are scattered?
Yes. BONAVENTURE offers 18 stunning, pre-approved natural destinations across the U.S.—including Yellowstone, Mount Rainier, Ruby Beach, and Glacier National Park. We also offer combo packages for those who want to incorporate multiple iconic locations.
❓ What if we can’t attend the scattering?
That’s okay. BONAVENTURE’s service is designed to be unaccompanied. We’ll handle everything with care and provide a handcrafted memorial plaque with your loved one’s name, GPS coordinates of the scattering, and an optional inlay of ashes.
❓ How do we get the ashes to you?
Use a free USPS Cremains Kit available online or at your local USPS store. It’s secure, trackable, and designed specifically for shipping ashes. Follow the instructions to safely ship ashes to us. After we receive them, they are never out of our possession.
❓ Will we receive anything afterward?
Yes. Every BONAVENTURE ceremony includes a personalized wooden memorial plaque engraved with your loved one’s name and the exact coordinates of where their ashes were scattered. It’s a beautiful, tangible reminder of both memory and place.
❓ Can I scatter ashes in more than one location?
Yes. Many families choose to divide ashes and scatter them in multiple places that were significant to their loved one. BONAVENTURE offers combo packages like:
America the Beautiful Package: Badlands, Yellowstone, and Grand Tetons
Return to Nature Package: Mount Rainier, Olympic National Forest, Ruby Beach
These curated itineraries create a multi-location tribute that reflects a life filled with travel, wonder, and meaning.
❓ Can I choose the date or location of the scattering?
Our team understands that choosing a resting place for your loved one’s ashes is a supremely important decision— So, if you have a special location or date in mind please feel free to reach out through our contact form or email us at bonaventurememorial@gmail.com, and we will work hard to try to facilitate honoring their memory in a way that you think best reflects their life.
❓ Is ash scattering environmentally friendly?
Yes. We prioritize eco-conscious practices in every part of our process—using biodegradable scattering techniques to prevent environmental disruption at all locations. Our staff also partners with consulting park rangers with expertise in soil, aquatic, historical, and archeological impacts. Your loved one’s legacy will be honored in a way that preserves the natural world.
❓ Is it too late to scatter ashes if I’ve had them for years?
Never. In fact, many people feel called to scatter ashes only when the timing and setting feel truly right. Whether it's been a season or many years, nature welcomes your loved one home at any moment. Our service helps transform long-held grief into a sacred act of remembrance—honoring your loved one with a final journey into landscapes of profound beauty and peace.
❓ How do you ensure the ashes are handled with care?
We treat every part of the process with dignity, ensuring that your loved one's ashes are handled with respect and care—from secure transportation to the moment of scattering itself. Our trustworthy team of experts has years of experience in VIP events planning, environmental impact, and guiding in the National Parks— we are passionately committed to using our combined talents to conduct a scattering that truly honors your loved one.
❓ Why is timing important for the scattering ceremony?
Timing enhances the beauty and serenity of the experience. We schedule ceremonies to align with optimal conditions—such as the vibrant wildflower blooms on Mt. Rainier or the serenity of Zion—ensuring a respectful and memorable tribute that honors the legacy and dignity of your individual loved one.
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