National Park Ash Scattering Guide 2025: Respect Wildlife and Honor Loved Ones
This Column is Warmly Dedicated to the Memory of Marie: To Her Special Gift and Heart for Wolves
We’ve created a comprehensive guide for scattering ashes in National Parks, designed to support families who feel a deep connection to the wild. This guide offers practical advice — from the best times of year to visit, to understanding the rhythms and behaviors of the park’s wildlife — while emphasizing how to honor both the natural environment and the creatures that call it home.
By blending practical guidance with reverent insight, families can create meaningful, respectful ceremonies that weave a loved one’s memory into the living tapestry of the park.
Below, we highlight five extraordinary places where BONAVENTURE helps families scatter ashes: Yellowstone, Glacier, Hawaii, Grand Teton, and Rocky Mountain National Park.
Each is home to a timeless rhythm of migration, song, and survival — a living backdrop for farewell.
Ash Scattering Yellowstone National Park: Among Bison and Wolves
Yellowstone is not just a park — it is an ancient heartbeat, steady with the thunder of hooves. The land breathes with wildlife, and those who scatter ashes here place their loved one into the rhythm of migration, survival, and renewal.
Wildlife to expect and when to visit:
Bison — Seen year-round, especially in Hayden Valley and Lamar Valley, where their silhouettes rise through the mist like living relics of another age. In winter, steam from the geothermal basins frames their shaggy coats in stark beauty.
Elk — The fall rut (September–October) is an unforgettable time, when males bugle at dawn and dusk in Mammoth Hot Springs and across the meadows of Hayden Valley. Their haunting calls echo through the firs and across the cold air.
Wolves — Best glimpsed in Lamar Valley, particularly at first light or twilight, when packs move along the ridgelines or gather near river crossings. The valley’s openness makes it one of the best wolf-viewing spots in the world.
Bears — Both black bears and grizzlies are most active in spring (April–June) when they emerge from hibernation to forage, and again in fall (September–October) as they prepare for winter. Look to the berry patches of Dunraven Pass or the slopes near Tower Junction.
A scattering here feels timeless. As the valleys echo with the bugle of elk or the soft pad of wolves in snow, there is the sense that your loved one becomes part of something eternal: the circle of life that has played out here for millennia. Yellowstone enfolds ashes into its vast story, written each season by the creatures who call it home.
Ash Scattering Glacier National Park: Among Mountain Goats and Grizzlies
In the great sanctuaries of the wild, wildlife itself often bears witness: bison moving like ancient thunder, elk calling across alpine meadows, whales rising through saltwater light. Choosing a destination scattering in the presence of wild creatures is more than ceremony — it is communion with life itself.
Glacier is the crown of the continent, carved by ice and crowned with peaks. Here, scattering ashes feels like offering them to the sky itself, under the quiet watch of alpine wildlife.
Wildlife to expect and when to visit:
Mountain Goats — Almost symbolic of the park itself, they are often seen near Logan Pass and along Hidden Lake Overlook, especially in summer (June–August). Their sure-footed grace mirrors resilience.
Grizzly Bears — Spring and fall are peak times, especially in the Many Glacier Valley, where bears forage in meadows ablaze with wildflowers or berries.
Moose — Found in wetlands such as Fishercap Lake, particularly at dawn and dusk in summer.
Pikas and Marmots — In rocky alpine zones, their chirps and whistles fill the air — a small but constant reminder of life’s persistence.
In Glacier, the scattering of ashes feels like release into air so pure and sharp it carries prayers on the wind — a resting place where earth, sky, and creature meet.
Ash Scattering Hawaii: Among Sea Turtles and Whales
Hawaii’s ocean is alive with movement — the flick of a sea turtle’s flipper, the breach of a humpback whale, the shimmer of reef fish. Scattering ashes here is to surrender them to tides that cradle both memory and life.
Wildlife to expect and when to visit:
Green Sea Turtles (Honu) — Year-round, often resting on beaches of Oahu’s North Shore or gliding near reefs at dawn. They embody patience and longevity.
Humpback Whales — From December to April, these giants migrate to Hawaiian waters to calve and breed. Their breaches off Maui’s coast turn the ocean into a sanctuary of song.
Spinner Dolphins — Frequently seen in morning hours off Kona Coast, spinning joyfully out of the water.
Tropical Fish and Coral Life — Vibrant and constant, reminding us of the beauty within life’s smallest forms.
To scatter here is to let ashes mingle with waves that have carried voyagers, prayers, and songs for centuries — the ocean itself keeping vigil.
Ash Scattering Grand Teton National Park: Among Elk and Eagles
The Tetons rise abruptly, jagged and eternal, with wildlife moving across their valleys as they have for thousands of years. To scatter ashes here is to return them to a land of sharp beauty and wide silence.
Wildlife to expect and when to visit:
Elk — The Elk Refuge near Jackson Hole hosts thousands each winter (November–March). In fall, their rut fills the Gros Ventre meadows with haunting bugles.
Bald Eagles — Year-round, often perched near the Snake River, especially at dawn as they hunt.
Moose — Seen in the willows along Moose-Wilson Road, particularly at sunrise.
Pronghorn — Summer herds migrate across Antelope Flats, visible against the Tetons’ backdrop
A scattering here is framed by peaks that remind us of permanence — even as seasons shift and herds migrate, the mountains keep vigil.
Ash Scattering Rocky Mountain National Park: Among Elk and Steller’s Jays
Rocky Mountain is a mosaic of alpine lakes, meadows, and tundra — a place where wildlife and sky seem impossibly close. To scatter ashes here is to lay them among high places where life endures despite wind and altitude.
Wildlife to expect and when to visit:
Elk — Especially during the fall rut (September–October) in Moraine Park, where their bugles echo against granite walls.
Bighorn Sheep — Frequently seen on Sheep Lakes in late spring and early summer, descending for mineral-rich soil.
Pikas — On the Trail Ridge Road alpine tundra, their calls echo among rocks in summer — guardians of high, fragile spaces.
Birdlife — Steller’s Jays, Clark’s Nutcrackers, and mountain bluebirds flash against the evergreens year-round.
Here, scattering ashes feels like entrusting them to air itself, carried across ridgelines where earth touches sky.
Ash Scattering Olympic National Park: Among Whales and Bioluminescent Waters
The waters of Puget Sound are alive, a rhythm of tides, life, and light. Scattering ashes here places your loved one into a luminous, ever-moving world — where each wave is a verse and every breach a song.
Wildlife to expect and when to visit:
Orcas (Killer Whales) — Spotted year-round, though spring and summer offer the most sightings. Watch mothers and calves surfacing together, a testament to family bonds and survival.
Humpback Whales — Especially visible during their seasonal migrations, these giants turn the ocean into a sanctuary of song, leaping and breaching with breathtaking power.
Harbor Seals and Sea Lions — Often seen resting on rocky outcroppings or playful inshore, their quiet presence reminds us of the smaller miracles of marine life.
Bioluminescent Plankton — On dark nights, the water glows with ethereal light, as if the ocean itself is honoring each scattering with a gentle shimmer.
To scatter here is to let ashes mingle with waters that have carried voyagers, prayers, and songs for centuries — the ocean itself keeping vigil. Learn more about Puget Sound scattering.
Wildlife Do’s
1. Keep Your Distance
Maintain a safe, respectful distance from all animals. Bison, bears, wolves, and elk can be unpredictable.
Use binoculars, spotting scopes, or cameras to observe behavior without interrupting it.
2. Be Silent and Still
Loud voices, music, or sudden movements can stress wildlife or disrupt feeding, mating, or migratory behaviors.
Pause, breathe, and let the animals move around you naturally.
3. Schedule Around Wildlife Activity
Learn when animals are most active. Early morning or late evening is best for observing without causing disturbance.
Avoid times when animals are nesting, calving, or raising young.
4. Respect Feeding and Water Sources
Never scatter ashes near streams, ponds, or meadows where animals eat or drink. These are critical for survival.
Keep human scents and activity away from natural feeding grounds.
5. Watch for Signs and Fencing
Pay attention to signs, barriers, or ranger guidance indicating wildlife safety zones.
These are not suggestions — they protect both you and the animals.
Wildlife Don’ts
1. Don’t Approach or Touch Animals
Even seemingly tame wildlife can injure or become stressed if humans come too close.
2. Don’t Feed Wildlife
Food can alter natural behaviors, make animals dependent on humans, and introduce disease.
3. Don’t Block Escape Routes
When observing wildlife, ensure animals have a clear path to retreat. Encroaching on territory can trigger aggression or panic.
4. Don’t Scatter Near Sensitive Habitats
Avoid dens, nests, burrows, or seasonal migration corridors. Disturbing these areas can have lasting effects on populations.
5. Don’t Leave Any Materials Behind
Containers, flowers, or personal items can attract or harm animals. Only scatter ashes and nothing else.
✨ Observing these wildlife-specific do’s and don’ts ensures that your farewell honors not just the loved one you’ve lost, but also the creatures whose lives continue in these sacred spaces. Your presence becomes part of the park’s natural rhythm rather than a disruption — a true act of reverence for life in all its forms.
Yellowstone National Park: The Ancient Heartbeat of the Plains
Yellowstone is synonymous with wildlife spectacle. Bison graze in Hayden and Lamar Valleys, wolves trace the ridgelines, and bears forage near river crossings.
Best Time to Visit:
Spring (April–June): Bears emerge from hibernation; elk calves appear.
Fall (September–October): Elk rut; wolves actively hunt.
Recommended Equipment:
10–20x binoculars for distant wildlife observation.
Telephoto lens (400mm or longer) for photography.
Lightweight spotting scope for wolf or bear packs in Lamar Valley.
Safety Tips:
Keep at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, 25 yards from other wildlife.
Never feed or approach animals.
Glacier National Park: Alpine Majesty and Mountain Dwellers
Glacier National Park’s peaks, valleys, and alpine meadows are home to mountain goats, grizzly bears, moose, and elusive pikas.
Best Time to Visit:
Summer (June–August): Mountain goats and marmots active; alpine flowers bloom.
Spring and Fall: Grizzlies forage near berry patches.
Recommended Equipment:
Durable hiking boots for alpine terrain.
Binoculars or spotting scope for high ridges.
Camera with stabilization for long-range wildlife shots.
Safety Tips:
Stay on marked trails to protect fragile ecosystems.
Carry bear spray when hiking in grizzly territory.
Maintain a quiet presence to avoid stressing wildlife.
Grand Teton National Park: Peaks, Rivers, and Raptors
The Tetons rise abruptly above Jackson Hole, a rugged playground for elk, moose, bald eagles, and pronghorn.
Best Time to Visit:
Winter (Nov–Mar): Elk congregate in refuge areas.
Spring/Summer: Bald eagles hunt along the Snake River; pronghorn migrate through Antelope Flats.
Recommended Equipment:
Tripod for photography in low-light dawn/dusk conditions.
Polarized lenses for river glare.
Field guide to birds and ungulates.
Safety Tips:
Observe from a distance; elk can be aggressive during rut.
Watch for moose near waterways; maintain a wide berth.
Hawaii: Ocean Giants and Tropical Life
Hawaii offers a marine wildlife spectacle unlike any mainland park. Green sea turtles, spinner dolphins, and humpback whales migrate to these waters seasonally.
Best Time to Visit:
December–April: Humpback whale calving and breeding season.
Year-round: Sea turtles frequent coral reefs and beaches.
Recommended Equipment:
Binoculars for offshore spotting.
Waterproof camera or drone (where allowed) for aerial observation.
Snorkel gear to view reef life without disturbance.
Safety Tips:
Maintain distance from marine wildlife; never touch or feed turtles or dolphins.
Observe local regulations regarding protected species.
Keep beaches free of trash and plastics.
Rocky Mountain National Park: Alpine Lakes and Meadow Views
Rocky Mountain National Park hosts elk, bighorn sheep, Steller’s jays, and Clark’s nutcrackers amid alpine lakes and tundra.
Best Time to Visit:
Fall (Sept–Oct): Elk rut; peak foliage for scenic viewing.
Late Spring/Early Summer: Bighorn sheep and pika activity.
Recommended Equipment:
Hiking poles for high-altitude trails.
Binoculars and field guide for birds and small mammals.
Weather-resistant clothing for sudden alpine changes.
Safety Tips:
Keep wildlife distance; use natural barriers like ridgelines to observe.
Protect yourself from altitude sickness; acclimate before long hikes.
Ethical Wildlife Observation Principles
Do Not Feed or Approach Wildlife: Interference can harm animals and alter natural behaviors.
Use Optics to See, Not Touch: Binoculars, scopes, and zoom lenses preserve distance.
Stay Quiet and Respectful: Silence ensures authentic wildlife behavior and enhances the viewing experience.
Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash; never leave ashes or materials in sensitive habitats.
Follow Park-Specific Regulations: Many parks require permits for photography, wildlife access, or memorialization.
Essential Gear for National Park Wildlife Viewing
Binoculars (10x42 recommended)
Spotting scope with tripod
Telephoto lens (400–600mm)
Field guide for birds, mammals, and marine species
Sturdy boots, layered clothing, and waterproof gear
Bear spray or other wildlife deterrents where applicable
Backpack with water, snacks, and first aid
Conclusion: Witnessing Life in Motion
The United States’ National Parks are living cathedrals of natural spectacle. Observing wildlife in these spaces is both a privilege and a responsibility. With the right gear, timing, and ethical practices, visitors can witness migrations, calving, hunts, and the quiet persistence of life — without ever disturbing it. In doing so, we not only enrich our own experiences but safeguard the continuity of these remarkable ecosystems for generations to come.
