The 21 Most Breathtaking Locations to Scatter Ashes in the U.S.

Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences in many people’s lives. How to honor the dead and lay them to rest is an important decision. The National Funeral Directors Association has predicted that by 2035, nearly 80% of Americans will opt for cremation. With its growing popularity, the choice to be cremated provides family and friends with the same opportunities to have a remembrance event and an additional ash scattering service. 

The desire to return to the earth what was once hers, or “ashes to ashes, dust to dust,” is a common intent in the cremation process. By spreading the ashes of your loved one in a sentimental or gorgeous place, you allow them to rejoin the natural, wonderful circle of life. But before you do so, you’ll want to know how and where to spread your loved one’s remains. Our article “Everything You Need to Know About Legally Scattering Cremation Ashes in the United States” is a comprehensive look at the legality, trends and potential consequences of scattering ashes in various locations throughout the United States. Please refer to it as you make plans.  

There are also some important but little known facts that you need to be aware of. For example:

• The weight of the ashes can vary between three to seven pounds.
• It’s important to note that cremated remains are not white and fluffy like a burned log, but more the consistency of sand. There may also be small shards of bone mixed in. 
• Remember not to scatter the ashes into the wind or the remains will fly back into the person’s face.

An ash scattering service is another chance for family and friends to say goodbye to their loved one. This final farewell can be an intimate moment for one person or a small group to celebrate the deceased. 

Making It Memorable

There are many ways to add significance and sentiment to an ash scattering ceremony. Perhaps everyone in your group will want to spread a few of the ashes. Most funeral homes will give you the cremated ashes in a temporary container (plastic or cardboard) if an urn is not provided. Someone who is comfortable with the process could separate the remains into different containers or envelopes, one for each guest.

A gorgeous option for returning your loved one to the earth is to spread their remains in a naturally preserved space, such as a state or national park. These breathtaking, wondrous locations make the perfect destination for a scattering ceremony. The guests will be surrounded by awesome nature and thriving life while they remember and honor the lost loved one. Being in the midst of such beauty will help the event be more memorable and, perhaps, cathartic. Nature has such a healing quality, so releasing your grief and love into a naturally beautiful space can be therapeutic.

Most national and state parks allow ash scattering, though some require a special permit along with the entrance fee. Here are some of the most gorgeous parks the United States has to offer.

Our Favorite Locations to Scatter Cremation Ashes

1. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – Big Sur, California

This state park features gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean and extends into nearby forests of redwoods, tanoaks, madrones and chaparral trees. Named after a beloved Big Sur resident, Julia Pfeiffer Burns, this state park includes the famous 80 foot McWay Falls and scenic hiking trails. With so many places to choose from, this gorgeous California park is an ideal place to lay your loved one to rest.

2. Makoshika State Park – Glendive, Montana

Montana’s largest state park holds a wealth of prehistoric life in its rock formations. This badlands preserve boasts troves of fossil remains and juniper studded scenes. Over 11,000 acres of spectacular landscape, Makoshika State Park provides the perfect location to say goodbye to your loved one.

3. Iao Valley State Park – Wailuku, Hawaii

This Hawaiian state park is located in Central Maui and features over 4,000 peaceful acres of lush valleys and emerald peaks. Iao Needle, which is a 1,200 foot green-covered rock, is one of the most recognizable icons of the park. In addition, there is a 10-mile paved walking trail to help visitors take in all of the tropical beauty.

4. Eldorado Canyon State Park – Boulder County, Colorado

This beautiful collection of mountainous landscape draws visitors from all over the world. So many people flock to Eldorado Canyon State Park that weekends from May 15 – September 15 require a timed visit. Those wishing to climb the ridges may find the park less crowded on the weekdays. The park is day-use only, and the hiking trails range from easy to extremely difficult. Those wishing to scatter ashes here may want to keep to the easy trails and streams.

5. Adirondack State Park – St. Lawrence County, New York

Boasting more than 6 million acres, the Adirondack State Park is a gorgeous place to memorialize your loved one. Visitors flock to the park during autumn to witness the splendor of the forest ablaze with red, orange, and yellow leaves. Since this park is not a national park, there is no entry fee, and the gates do not close at dusk. With much of the land considered “forever wild,” this park features the most expansive protected wilderness area east of the Mississippi.

6. Island Beach State Park – Berkeley Township, New Jersey

This natural barrier island has been shaped by the tides of the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay. Island Beach State Park features 10 miles of sandy beach alongside a wildlife preserve. Since swimming is prohibited October – May, bereaved family and friends will find peace and quiet along the shore during those months. Travelers can also explore the eight trails that lead to different areas of beach or bay.

7. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park – Ontonagon, Michigan

With over 60,000 acres of virgin timber, secluded lakes, and miles of wild rivers, the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is a picturesque location for laying your loved one to rest. The park offers waterfalls, a scenic overlook of Lake of the Clouds, and the Summit Peak observation tower. You’ll be overwhelmed by the natural beauty of the upper peninsula of Michigan, and the wondrous sights will offer a lovely backdrop for a final farewell.

8. Yellowstone National Park – Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

As the first national park in the United States, Yellowstone is the iconic natural preserve. The wonders of Old Faithful and the other geysers draw thousands of tourists throughout the year. However, April, September, and October are considered the “off-season,” so these months offer relative quiet and tranquility. Perhaps there is a significant meaning connected with Old Faithful; your loved one may have presented themselves to be reliable, dependable and predictable. Old Faithful, which has erupted over one million times since it was discovered in 1870, may be a lovely place to scatter ashes and commemorate a faithful loved one.

9. Glacier Bay National Park – Gustavas, Alaska

Since there is no road that goes directly into the park, visitors will need to make this icy blue trip with special preparations in mind. In Bartlett Cove, there is lodging, a restaurant and the ability to buy tickets for a day boat tour. Your group can depart the boat and explore the frozen wonderland while sprinkling your loved one’s ashes. It’s best to keep in mind that the main visitor time is late May – early September. Temperatures hover around 50 – 60 degrees during those months, but visitors should expect rain, especially in September.

10. Castle Rock State Park – Los Gatos, California

Located in one of the highest ridges in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Castle Rock State Park has magnificent sculptured sandstone, lush forests and scenic views. Castle Rock has a newer parking lot, which offers modern amenities, such as restrooms, electric vehicle charging stations and water bottle refill stations. You can look over Monterey Bay or hike over 34 miles of trails. Castle Rock features a wheelchair-accessible .08 mile of a stroll from the parking lot that leads to an ADA compliant picnic table. This park may be the place to scatter ashes if someone in your group needs a little assistance.

11. Rocky Mountain National Park – Estes Park, Colorado

Visitors can explore the Rocky Mountain range in beautiful Colorado. Offering gorgeous views of snow-capped mountains and plentiful hikes and trails, this park is a lovely natural wonder to consider when paying your respects to your loved one. Horseback riding is also an option as 80% of their trails are available to riders. If the person you are laying to rest loved horses, this may be the park for your scattering service.

12. Lost Dutchman State Park – Pinal County, Arizona

Located in the Sonoran Desert, just 40 miles east of Phoenix, the Lost Dutchman State Park begins at the foothills of Superstition Mountains. The spring season offers a lush carpet of desert flowers, but beautiful desert foliage is provided throughout they year as well. Visitors can take a walk along the Native Plant Trail, which offers gorgeous views of the desert. There are several other trails offered in the park, varying in difficulty. The Siphon Draw Trail is one you’ll want to avoid in hot weather, as Arizona temperatures in the middle of the summer can reach well over 100 degrees.

13. Starved Rock State Park – Oglesby, Illinois

Voted the number one attraction in the State of Illinois, Starved Rock State Park offers lovely scenic waterfalls every spring and in other seasons after heavy rainfall. This park offers 13 miles of trails, some along the beautiful Illinois River. The Starved Rock Lodge offers comfortable accommodations for out of town travelers, and there is ample dining near the park. Should you wish to travel as part of the ash scattering ceremony, this would be a beautiful place to stay with friends and family, reminisce over your loved one and lay them to rest.

14. Slide Rock State Park – Sedona, Arizona

The red rocks and desert scenery of Slide Rock State Park are so exquisite that many classic films, such as “Angel and the Badman” (1946), starring John Wayne, were filmed there. There are three short trails offered here, but the biggest draw is the natural water “slide” and swimming areas offered to tourists. If your loved one reminded you of John Wayne’s aesthetic, a man of few words but full of courage, this park may be the perfect place to honor him.

15. Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park – Coulee City, Washington

The iconic Palouse Falls is the largest draw of the Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park. However, since it’s not the most visited park in Washington, travelers will experience relative peace and quiet while walking the trails. Surrounded by natural tranquility, the gorgeous scenery offers a lot of lovely spots to rest and take in the park’s beauty. Dry Falls was carved by Ice Age Floods over 13,000 years ago, and they are truly a beauty to behold. Your loved one may find their final resting place among the natural formations and cliffs.

16. Chugach State Park – Anchorage, Alaska

Chugach (pronounced CHEW-gatch) is the tribal name of the indigenous people from the upper Cook Inlet region of Alaska. With almost 500,000 acres of land, this is one of the four largest state parks in the U.S. Its varied terrain offers rugged cliffs, glaciers, ice fields, ocean shoreline, and several lakes. You and your family are sure to find a suitable place to scatter ashes in this Alaskan natural wonderland.

17. Niagara Falls State Park – Niagara Falls, New York

The falls that border New York and Ontario, Canada, are truly a breathtaking sight to behold. Though many tourists visit each side of the waterfalls throughout the year, there are many trails to choose from, and you are sure to find time to reflect and enjoy the natural beauty. The Great Gorge Scenic Overlook Hiking Trail is incredibly easy to traverse, and there is no age requirement, so all people longing to say goodbye to your loved one may take part.

18. City of Rocks State Park – Faywood, New Mexico

Over 30 million years ago, volcanic ash combined with wind and water into the stunning rows of monolithic rocks throughout this park. Wild cactuses and numerous hiking trails make the City of Rocks a lovely destination for a meaningful farewell. Located in the scenic Chihuahuan Desert region of southwestern New Mexico at an elevation of 5,200 feet, this park is listed as one of the valuable habitats for birds in the state. If your loved one enjoyed bird watching, City of Rocks may be the place to scatter their ashes.

19. Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona

Arguably the most iconic landmark in the U.S. along with being the most crowded natural wonder throughout the year, the Grand Canyon is truly a sight to behold. Due to its popularity, the park can feel quite busy throughout the spring, summer, and fall. However, November – February are quiet in comparison. Most tourists flock to the South Rim of the Canyon due to its natural paths and the ease with which travelers can manage it. On the other hand, the North Rim is much more secluded, but is only available to visitors from May 15 – October 15 each year. Due to its higher elevation, the North Rim is not suggested for those who may experience respiratory problems or who already have a history of poor health in higher elevations.

20. Yosemite National Park – California

Located in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, Yosemite spans four counties in east central California. About 95% of this park is designated as preserved wilderness, and it contains varied wildlife and foliage. From the granite cliffs to deep valleys, Yosemite National Park offers natural beauty and wonder to all who visit. Attracting over 4 million tourists each year, Yosemite is one of the most popular national parks on the list. However, the expansive park still offers privacy and seclusion in its forests of sequoia and meadows.

21. Grand Teton National Park – Moose, Wyoming

With a 40-mile Teton Mountain Range, seven lakes, over 300 types of birds and over 900 species of flowering plants, Grand Teton National Park is a gorgeous venue to scatter your loved one’s ashes. According to the National Parks Service, autumn is a lovely time of year to experience Grand Teton with its golden aspens, red hawthorns and massive elk packs. The towering mountain range inspires awe as travelers traverse the many trails. If your loved one was larger than life, this may be the perfect place to lay them to rest.

Visiting the Parks

In order to gain more information about each park, you can call their visitor centers, which will have an abundance of information regarding the best season to visit, where ash scattering is permitted and if any trails are ADA compliant. Planning your ash scattering service can be a way to find a connection between your loved one and the beauty of nature. One of these breathtaking parks is sure to fit your ceremony.