The Magic of Destination Scattering
When we lose someone we love, the process of memorializing their life often becomes as personal and unique as the individual themselves. For many, traditional memorial services no longer capture the essence of their loved one’s spirit or the life they led. As people seek more meaningful ways to say goodbye, destination scattering has emerged as an increasingly popular, deeply personal, and beautiful way to honor a loved one’s memory.
In this guide, we’ll explore the logistics, benefits, and profound significance of destination ash scattering, a practice that combines nature’s beauty with a meaningful farewell. From majestic national parks to tranquil shores, this ritual offers a unique opportunity to celebrate life in places that were cherished by the departed or hold deep personal meaning.
It’s an experience that transforms a moment of loss into a celebration of life and nature’s timeless rhythms.
The Appeal of Destination Ash Scattering
For centuries, cultures around the world have honored their deceased by scattering ashes in meaningful places—mountain ranges, oceans, forests, and even on windswept plains. As people move away from conventional burial practices, destination scattering has become an increasingly popular choice for those seeking a more spiritual, reflective, and personal memorial.
But what makes destination scattering so appealing?
A Connection to Nature
Nature’s vastness offers a sense of peace and continuity that transcends human existence. By scattering ashes in a natural setting—whether that’s a serene forest, atop a mountain peak, or over a pristine lake—you’re allowing your loved one’s spirit to become a part of the world around them, blending with the elements in a way that feels organic and timeless.A Tribute to the Departed’s Journey
Many families choose to scatter ashes in places their loved ones held dear—whether it’s the mountains they hiked, the coastlines they adored, or the fields they explored. These places become a fitting tribute, symbolizing the journey they took through life. In a way, the act of scattering ashes is not a goodbye, but a celebration of the love, joy, and adventures they experienced in this world. It honors the memory of the person’s life by returning their essence to the earth and sky that nurtured them.Personalized and Meaningful
Traditional memorial services can feel impersonal or detached. With destination scattering, the ceremony is often more intimate, deeply personal, and customized to reflect the life and character of the individual. Whether you want a quiet moment of reflection with a few loved ones or a small gathering to share stories, the location and ceremony can be tailored to your wishes. It’s a beautiful, heartfelt way to honor someone who lived life on their terms, and now, in their final moments, their spirit is honored in the same way.
The Logistics of Destination Scattering
While the emotional and symbolic appeal of destination scattering is clear, the logistics of arranging such a service can feel daunting. But with careful planning and expert guidance, it can be a seamless and meaningful experience.
How to Choose the Perfect Place to Scatter Ashes
A Thoughtful Guide to Honoring Spirit, Landscape, and Legacy
Choosing where to scatter a loved one’s ashes is a deeply personal decision—one shaped by memories, values, and the desire for beauty. Whether you’re fulfilling their final wish or finding a place that feels just right, this guide will help you navigate the most meaningful options.
At BONAVENTURE, we offer unaccompanied ash scattering ceremonies at some of the most breathtaking destinations in the country—from national parks and migration paths to mountains, oceans, and beyond. Here’s how to choose a place that honors their life and spirit.
🌲1. National Parks and Nature Reserves
For those who came alive in wild, open spaces.
Scattering ashes in a national park allows your loved one to return to the land in its most awe-inspiring form. From geysers and glaciers to alpine meadows and desert cliffs, national parks offer a timeless, sacred final resting place.
Where Can Ashes Be Scattered in National Parks?
The National Park Service (NPS) allows cremated remains to be scattered in most national parks, but permits and location restrictions apply. Each park manages its own policies to protect natural and cultural resources.
✅ NPS Official Policy on Scattering Ashes:
https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/scattering-ashes.htm
💡 Most parks allow scattering as long as:
Ashes are scattered discreetly and not buried or placed in containers.
You remain 100+ yards away from water, trails, buildings, or high-traffic areas.
No memorial markers are left behind.
The ashes are finely pulverized, not coarse or granular.
📝 Permit Process:
A Special Use Permit (SUP) is typically required, even if no one attends the ceremony. The form and process vary by park. Most permits are low-cost or free.
💬 Examples:
Yellowstone’s Policy on Scattering Ashes
Zion’s Special Use Permit Page
🕊️ BONAVENTURE Handles Everything For You
We take care of all permitting, location scouting, ecological review, and ceremony logistics so your family doesn’t need to manage paperwork or coordination. Our team works directly with NPS staff, private landowners (if needed), and conservation stewards to ensure the scattering is performed legally, respectfully, and harmoniously with the land.
🌄 Featured BONAVENTURE National Park Destinations
Each package includes:
A guided, unaccompanied ash scattering in a permitted location
A handcrafted memorial plaque engraved with your loved one’s name and GPS coordinates
Optional photographs of the season, landscape, or view from the site
Yellowstone National Park
Geysers, wildlife, sacred ground. A perfect tribute for those who revered Earth’s wild heart.Zion National Park
A desert sanctuary of red cliffs and sunlit canyons.Glacier National Park
Known as the Crown of the Continent. Crystalline lakes, rugged beauty, and peace in every direction.Mount Rainier National Park
Towering glaciers, wildflower meadows, and the enduring presence of the mountain.Badlands National Park
A quiet, ancient beauty—perfect for reflection and return.
✨ America the Beautiful (3 National Parks)
A trio of ash scatterings across different national parks—ideal for those who wandered far and loved wide.
🧭 Practical Scattering Guidelines
TipDetailPermits RequiredBONAVENTURE applies for the appropriate Special Use Permits (SUP) directly with NPS.No Permanent MarkersNational parks prohibit grave markers, urns, plaques, or objects left behind. Instead, we provide a keepsake memorial plaque for your home.Distance RulesAshes must be scattered at least 100 yards from water, trails, roads, or facilities.Leave No TraceAshes are scattered (not buried) and fully blended into the landscape. No remains visible.Scattering MediumBONAVENTURE uses biodegradable containers to ensure no environmental harm.Weather & SeasonParks are mostly open year-round; some areas may have seasonal access limits. We coordinate timing with nature’s rhythms.
🚚 How to Ship Ashes Safely for National Park Scattering
Use the USPS Cremated Remains Kit #2, designed for safe and compliant cremains shipping. The kit includes sturdy packaging, clear instructions, and a prepaid shipping label.
Order your free kit here:
https://store.usps.com/store/product/cremated-remains-kit-2-P_BOX_CREKIT2
Ship well ahead of your ceremony date to allow time for transit and permit approvals.
🧡 What Families Receive with BONAVENTURE’s National Park Service
A respectful, private scattering in your chosen national park
A memorial plaque engraved with name, dates, and scattering coordinates
A map or photo of the view or setting (seasonal, weather-dependent)
All permitting and shipping coordination handled with care
Optional: a portion of ashes can be enclosed in the plaque for remembrance
🎒 Additional Resources
General NPS Special Use Permit Overview:
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/specialuses/special-use-permits.htm
✨ Let the Ending Be Beautiful
For those who lived with reverence for the land—who wandered beneath peaks, along rivers, or across desert stone—there’s no better resting place than a park preserved in perpetuity. With BONAVENTURE, your loved one returns to nature with dignity, grace, and care.
👉 Explore National Park Packages: https://www.destinationspreading.com/🏡 2. Family Property or Private Land
For those who belonged to a place—and always will.
Some families choose to scatter ashes on their own land, at a childhood home, or on a beloved family farm. It’s personal, peaceful, and often accompanied by familiar memories.
Practical Tips:
Scattering on private land is legal with the landowner’s permission.
Consider the long-term future of the property—if it may be sold, you might want to record or mark the location discreetly.
🏔️ 2. Mountains, Forests, and Remote Wilderness
For those who hiked, climbed, or found quiet joy in the trees.
Scattering ashes on a mountaintop or beneath ancient trees captures a spirit of adventure and peace. These places evoke the stillness and elevation many seek in their final resting place.
BONAVENTURE Destinations:
Practical Tips:
National forests don’t allow scattering.
Choose locations with both meaning and accessibility—BONAVENTURE ensures safe, legal, and respectful scattering.
🌊 3. Oceans, Lakes, and Waterways
For those who belonged to the water—or dreamed of being carried by it.
Water scatterings are ethereal and symbolic. Whether drifting into the Pacific or the Gulf Coast, families often feel a profound release—like setting the spirit free.
BONAVENTURE Water Destinations:
Practical Tips:
The EPA requires sea scatterings to be at least 3 nautical miles from land and reported within 30 days.
For really comprehensive help scattering at sea: Checkout our complete Guide to Scattering Ashes at Sea
🦋 5. Symbolic Destinations and Migrations
For those who lived with meaning—and wanted a poetic ending.
Scattering ashes among migrating monarchs, beneath cranes in flight, or over a drifting hot air balloon evokes more than place—it tells a story of transformation, freedom, and eternal return.
Exclusive BONAVENTURE Experiences:
✨ Bundle Option: Heartland Journey (Monarch + Crane) →
Practical Tips:
Availability for these events may be seasonal or weather-dependent—planning ahead is key.
BONAVENTURE coordinates all timing, travel, and ceremony details, even when your family can’t be there in person.
📦 How to Ship Ashes Safely
For families choosing BONAVENTURE’s unaccompanied service.
Once you’ve selected your destination, BONAVENTURE provides clear shipping instructions and a full tracking system. We recommend using the USPS Cremated Remains Kit 2, specially designed for safe and legal transport.
📬 Order a Free Kit Here →
USPS Cremated Remains Kit 2
Key Reminders:
Always use Priority Mail Express for shipping cremated remains.
BONAVENTURE provides a pre-filled label and ash transfer instructions.
Keep a copy of your shipping receipt and tracking number for peace of mind.
💫 Final Thought: Choose a Place that Feels Like Them
Whether it's a mountaintop, a coral reef, or a family field in the Midwest, the perfect place is the one that reflects their life, spirit, and story. At BONAVENTURE, we make it possible to scatter ashes with beauty, reverence, and care—no matter the distance.
If life is a story, let the ending be beautiful.
🔗 Explore All BONAVENTURE Destinations →
📩 Have Questions? Contact Us Anytime → bonaventurememorial@gmail.com
Ash Scattering: Navigating Permits and Regulations
In many areas—especially national parks or other protected sites—there are regulations governing the scattering of ashes. It’s important to understand the legal requirements to ensure the ceremony is performed respectfully and legally. Here are a few considerations:
National Park Regulations: In places like Yellowstone or Grand Teton, specific permits are required for scattering ashes. While some locations allow it, others have restrictions regarding where and when it can be done.
Waterways and Oceans: Scattering ashes on water often requires permits from local authorities or the Coast Guard, especially if it’s in a public area or near a protected waterway.
Local Ordinances: Some municipalities have restrictions on scattering ashes in public spaces or on private property. Working with a professional service ensures that all local regulations are followed.
Working with a professional scattering service like BONAVENTURE or Destination Scattering is essential, as they are familiar with the regulations and will ensure every detail is handled properly. These services are well-versed in the logistics of destination scattering and will guide you through every step—from choosing the perfect location to completing the necessary paperwork and permits.
The Benefits of Destination Scattering
The benefits of a destination scattering ceremony extend far beyond the visual beauty and emotional connection it offers. Here are some key reasons why destination scattering is so meaningful:
A Celebration of Life
Unlike traditional ceremonies that may be marked by sadness and grief, destination scattering often brings a sense of peace, joy, and renewal. Many families find that scattering ashes in a place of natural beauty helps them reconnect with their loved one in a positive and uplifting way. It’s a way to celebrate life, not just mourn its passing.A Lasting Memorial
In contrast to a headstone or mausoleum, a destination scattering creates a living memorial. Your loved one’s ashes become part of the natural world, offering a quiet, eternal presence in the landscape that holds meaning. Whether it’s a mountain stream, a sandy beach, or a forest glen, this type of memorial connects your loved one to the rhythms of nature, offering a peaceful resting place for the spirit.Healing Through Nature
Nature has a profound ability to heal. The act of scattering ashes in the great outdoors provides an opportunity for family and friends to find solace in the beauty of the world around them. The peace and quiet of the location, combined with the physical act of scattering, can be a therapeutic experience, allowing mourners to reflect, process, and begin to heal.A Unique Way to Honor an Individual
Traditional memorials may not capture the essence of an individual’s life, but destination scattering offers a truly unique way to pay tribute. Whether your loved one was passionate about the outdoors, had a favorite travel destination, or simply loved a particular place, scattering their ashes there creates a personal and meaningful connection. It’s a tribute that reflects who they were, and where they felt most at home in the world.
Destination Scattering: A Beautiful End to the Beginning
In the end, destination scattering is much more than just a way to say goodbye; it’s a celebration of life, a reverence for nature, and a meaningful way to connect with a loved one’s spirit. It’s a beautiful way to honor their memory, not with finality, but with grace, peace, and continuity.
By choosing destination scattering, you’re giving your loved one the most profound, beautiful farewell—one that honors their life while intertwining their memory with the natural world. It’s a reminder that life’s journey is cyclical, and while the end may come, nature’s beauty continues, offering solace and renewal.
Whether in the mountains, by the ocean, or among the trees, a destination scattering is a celebration of the ongoing journey—a journey that never truly ends, but lives on in the beauty of the world and the love that continues to flow through it.
