Scattering Ashes in California National Parks: Guide and Insights

Throughout this article, we use the terms "ashes,” “remains” and "cremated remains" interchangeably. While "cremated remains" is the more formal term, many families simply refer to them as "ashes." Read our guide to the differences in remains from various funeral options.

Not all national parks require permits for ash scattering, but most do - and California has some of the most detailed regulations governing the scattering of cremated, hydrolyzed, and reduced remains in the United States.

Permit approvals may take anywhere from a couple of weeks to 60 days to hear back on permits, so give you and your loved ones plenty of time to plan.

Ash Scattering permits are issued to help:

• Protect sensitive ecosystems
• Protect waterways
• Prevent popular areas from becoming informal memorial sites
• Preserve the visitor experience
• Protect cultural and sacred sites

General Rules for Scattering Ashes in Parks:

• Only human cremated remains may be scattered.
• Remains must be scattered out of sight of roads, trails, parking areas, and other public-use areas.
• Remains must be at least 100 yards from any watercourse or creek bed, whether dry or flowing.
• Remains should be dispersed over a wide area so they do not accumulate in one location.
• The cremation identification disc must not be left at the scattering site.
• No memorial markers or commemorative items may be left behind.
• Scattering from aircraft is prohibited unless specifically authorized.
• Commercial remains scattering services are generally prohibited.
• Parks cannot be closed or reserved for memorial ceremonies.

Scattering Ashes in California State Parks

Written permission from the District or Sector Superintendent is required before scattering remains in a California State Park. Requests are submitted through the park's Cultural Resource Supervisor. Commercial remains scattering services require separate authorization, and scattering is prohibited at archaeological sites, Native American burial sites, and other protected locations.

Yosemite National Park

• Permit required for scattering ashes: Yes
• Permit Fee: Free
• Permit Processing Time : Not stated
• Special Notes: The National Park Service normally grants permission to those wishing to scatter human cremated remains within the borders of Yosemite National Park.
• Contact:

Death Valley National Park

Scattering remains is prohibited within Death Valley National Park. The National Park Service cites the park's cultural significance and its responsibility to protect lands that are sacred to the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe.

Website: www.nps.gov/deva/learn/management/rules-and-regulations See: 36 CFR §2.62 – MEMORIALIZATION

Joshua Tree National Park

• Permit required for scattering ashes: Yes
• Permit Processing Time : Not stated
• Special Notes: Ash scattering permits are issued in two-hour windows. Be sure to arrive during your assigned time, as only one ash-scattering permit is active at a given location during that period.
• Contact:

Redwood National Park

• Permit required for scattering ashes: Yes
• Permit Fee: $100–$400 depending on the complexity of the request.
• Permit Processing Time : 14 days
• Contact:

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park

• Permit required: No
• Special Notes: Scattering cremains from the air must be performed at a minimum altitude of 2000 feet above ground level, and may not be performed over developed areas, facilities, or bodies of water
• Contact:

Channel Islands National Park

• Permit required: Yes
• Permit Fee: $250
• Permit Processing Time : Not listed
• Contact:

Lassen Volcanic National Park

• Permit required: Yes
• Permit Fee: No permitting fee. The $75.00 application fee is waived for scattering cremated remains permits.
• Permit Processing Time : Not listed
• Special Notes: Group size for trails at Lassen is limited to a maximum of twenty (20) people.
• Contact:

Regulations can change, so always verify the current requirements with the park before making plans. Processing times, permit fees, and contact information may change, and some parks may have seasonal restrictions or temporary closures. Reaching out several weeks in advance can help ensure your family's plans go smoothly.