Can I Visit the Scattering Location?

Scattering ashes in national parks

A Comprehensive Guide to Destination Ash Scattering

When it comes to scattering the ashes of a loved one, the location is everything. Many families choose to honor their loved one in a place that holds personal significance—whether it’s a favorite hiking trail, a beloved national park, or a serene beach. The idea behind destination ash scattering is to return the deceased to a place that reflects their spirit, passions, and the beauty they cherished in life. As this trend grows in popularity, one common question arises: Can I visit the scattering location after the ceremony?

The simple answer is yes. In fact, being able to return to the site where your loved one’s ashes were scattered can provide a healing and comforting space for reflection, remembrance, and connection. If you’re wondering whether you can visit the site of the ceremony in the future, here’s a detailed guide to help you understand the process and how you can continue honoring your loved one in a meaningful way.

What is Destination Ash Scattering?

Destination ash scattering refers to the practice of scattering a loved one’s ashes in a beautiful, natural setting that holds special significance to them or their family. Popular locations include:

  • National parks and mountain summits, offering expansive views and quiet solitude.

  • Coastal cliffs and serene beaches, where the land meets the sea in harmony.

  • Forests or meadows, providing a peaceful, calming environment.

  • Remote or sacred areas that hold personal value to the deceased.

The goal of destination scattering is to honor the life of the deceased by returning them to a place of serenity and beauty—a place that symbolizes their journey, spirit, and love for nature.

Visiting the Scattering Location: What You Need to Know

One of the most healing aspects of destination scattering is the ability to revisit the location in the future. This allows family and friends to continue connecting with the memory of their loved one in a meaningful, peaceful setting. While you may not be able to leave any personal mementos behind (as these locations are often pristine and protected), there are still ways to ensure the location remains a special, accessible place for you to reflect upon and honor their memory.

Can I visit the scattering site again?

Yes, you can absolutely visit the scattering site whenever you wish. Whether you return for quiet reflection, to celebrate an anniversary, or simply to reconnect with the space where your loved one was honored, these sites offer a unique opportunity for ongoing memorialization.

However, it's important to note that these locations are typically protected, pristine natural environments, and as such, no physical memorials or markers can be left behind. The space must remain undisturbed and respectful of its natural beauty. This includes refraining from leaving flowers, personal objects, or other physical markers at the site.

But while you can’t leave physical memorials behind, the experience of returning to these sacred sites offers its own kind of peace—one that is deeply rooted in reflection, connection, and the beauty of nature.

How to Ensure You Can Find the Scattering Site in the Future

One of the most important aspects of visiting a scattering site is knowing exactly where to find it. This can be especially crucial if the location is remote or if the site doesn’t have any formal signage. Fortunately, there are practical ways to ensure you can always find the exact spot where your loved one’s ashes were scattered:

  • GPS Coordinates: Many professional scattering services, such as BONAVENTURE, provide families with the exact GPS coordinates of the scattering location. This gives you a reliable, precise way to return to the site whenever you wish. With the coordinates, you can input them into your GPS device or smartphone to guide you directly to the location.

  • Using Mapping Apps: Many mapping apps, like Google Maps or Apple Maps, allow you to save custom locations. By saving the GPS coordinates of the scattering site, you can easily revisit the place where your loved one was honored, no matter how much time has passed.

BONAVENTURE’s Permanent Memorialization: Keeping Your Loved One’s Memory Alive

At BONAVENTURE, we understand how important it is to keep your loved one’s memory alive, even in the absence of physical markers at the scattering site. That’s why we offer permanent memorialization through custom commemorative plaques.

Custom Wooden Plaques with GPS Coordinates

Our wooden plaques are beautifully crafted and engraved with the GPS coordinates of the scattering site. This allows you to preserve the memory of your loved one’s ceremony while maintaining the integrity of the natural environment. The plaque features:

  • Personalized Design: The plaque is customized to reflect the beauty of the scattering location and includes a scenic image of the area, offering a visual connection to the landscape.

  • Enduring Tribute: Engraved with the exact GPS coordinates, the plaque serves as a lasting reminder of the ceremony and provides a permanent connection to the place of remembrance.

  • No Interference with Nature: While the scattering site remains pristine and undisturbed, the plaque serves as an enduring tribute that you can place in your home or another meaningful space, allowing you to honor your loved one while respecting the sanctity of the natural location.

Returning to the Site: A Space for Reflection and Healing

While you can’t leave a physical memorial at the scattering site, the memory of your loved one remains tied to that special place. The experience of visiting these pristine, untouched environments offers an opportunity for reflection and healing, allowing you to continue to honor their memory in a place of natural beauty.

  • A Sacred Space for Peace: Returning to the site, whether on special occasions or whenever you need quiet moments of remembrance, provides an ongoing connection to your loved one’s spirit. The landscape itself becomes a living tribute, offering a space to reflect on the person’s life and legacy.

  • A Place for Personal Reflection: Each visit can be a deeply personal experience, whether you go alone or with close family members. The peaceful environment and breathtaking views serve as a reminder of your loved one’s journey, and can offer solace during moments of grief.

Planning Your Visit

When planning to visit the scattering site in the future, consider the following tips:

  1. Use GPS Coordinates: Make sure you have the correct GPS coordinates saved in your device, especially if the location is remote. This ensures you won’t have to rely on memory alone to find the exact spot.

  2. Reflect in Peace: Take time to quietly reflect on your loved one’s life, their passions, and the memories you shared together. Consider bringing a journal to document your thoughts and feelings during your visit.

  3. Respect the Environment: Since these sites are pristine natural areas, it’s essential to respect the environment. Avoid leaving any physical objects behind and leave the area as you found it—untouched and beautiful.

The ability to visit the scattering location and continue memorializing your loved one is one of the most meaningful aspects of destination ash scattering. By using GPS coordinates and considering custom plaques, you can ensure that you always have a way to return to the site. These locations remain sacred and pristine, allowing for peaceful reflection while preserving the natural beauty of the landscape.

At BONAVENTURE, we are honored to help you create a lasting tribute to your loved one, ensuring that their memory remains tied to the land they cherished. Visit DestinationScattering.com to begin planning your destination ash scattering ceremony, and let us help you find a space where remembrance and healing can coexist in peace.



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Unaccompanied Ash Scattering During a Hot Air Balloon Ascent

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The Magic of Destination Scattering