Scattering Ashes in National Parks: A Quick Guide
🌿 See Available National Park Destinations →
📞 Speak to a Memorial Specialist: (515) 206-4845
bonaventurememorial@gmail.com
Selecting the right spot for scattering ashes is crucial for creating a meaningful ceremony. National Parks—from the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone to the wildflower meadows of Mount Rainier—offer awe-inspiring, protected landscapes that provide peace, beauty, and timeless reflection.
BONAVENTURE helps families navigate this process with care, securing permits, planning ceremonies, and even providing professional photography of the scattering so loved ones can revisit the moment for years to come.
🌲 Look for Secluded Areas Away from Trails and Roads
Most National Parks prefer that ashes be scattered in quiet, less-visited areas. Busy trails, parking lots, or popular viewpoints should be avoided to ensure privacy and preserve the natural flow of visitors.
Best options include:
Meadow clearings filled with wildflowers
Forested groves where the air is hushed and still
Hilltops or overlooks with sweeping views
BONAVENTURE destinations with secluded beauty:
⚠️ Check for Park-Specific Restrictions
Each National Park has unique ecological features and rules. For instance, Yellowstone prohibits scattering near thermal areas to protect fragile formations. Always check the Special Use Permit requirements and park-specific guidelines before planning a ceremony.
Examples:
Yellowstone: No scattering near geysers or hot springs.
Zion: Stay clear of slot canyons and water sources.
Devil’s Tower: Avoid climbing routes and sacred cultural sites.
🌿 See Available National Park Destinations →
📞 Speak to a Memorial Specialist: (515) 206-4845
bonaventurememorial@gmail.com
Do You Need a Permit to Scatter Ashes in a National Park?
In most cases, yes—a Special Use Permit is required. This ensures the ceremony is held legally and respectfully.
Steps to Apply:
Visit the park’s official site or NPS Special Use Permit page.
Complete the application with ceremony details (location, date, group size).
Submit your request at least 30 days before the event.
Wait for approval and bring your permit to the ceremony.
Tip: BONAVENTURE can handle permit applications on your behalf, making the process seamless.
👥 Group Size Limits
Small, intimate ceremonies are generally welcomed. However, larger gatherings may trigger stricter rules or additional permits.
Small groups: Usually permitted with one Special Use Permit.
Larger gatherings: Some parks cap attendance or require additional permits.
Best practice: Keep groups small for a more serene, personal experience.
🌿 See Available National Park Destinations →
📞 Speak to a Memorial Specialist: (515) 206-4845
bonaventurememorial@gmail.com
🌿 Leave No Trace
National Parks are protected lands, and scattering ashes must follow Leave No Trace principles.
What this means:
Do not leave markers, plaques, or objects at the site.
Take urns or containers with you after scattering.
Use GPS or park memorial books to record your location if desired.
By leaving no trace, the park remains untouched for wildlife and future visitors.
❌ Is Burial of Ashes Allowed in National Parks?
No—burial of ashes is prohibited in U.S. National Parks. Parks are designed to protect ecosystems, and burial disrupts the soil. (Sometimes called trenching)
Alternative memorials:
Scattering in a National Park with BONAVENTURE
Memorial forests or private cemeteries outside park boundaries
🌸 Why Choose BONAVENTURE for National Park Scattering?
Planning a scattering in a National Park can feel overwhelming, but BONAVENTURE makes it simple and beautiful.
We provide:
Permit assistance: Navigating NPS paperwork and approvals.
Destination guidance: Helping you select the right park for your loved one.
Professional photography: Capturing the moment discreetly and reverently.
Trusted service: A family-run company with deep experience in National Park memorials.
Featured BONAVENTURE National Park Destinations:
Ash Scattering: A Lasting Memory in Nature
Scattering ashes in a National Park is one of the most profound ways to say goodbye. Whether it’s a meadow in Rocky Mountain National Park or the quiet slopes of Olympic National Forest, the beauty of these landscapes allows families to create a farewell that is timeless, natural, and deeply meaningful.
🌿 See Available National Park Destinations →
📞 Speak to a Memorial Specialist: (515) 206-4845
bonaventurememorial@gmail.com
