Where Can You Scatter Ashes in California (2026)? Laws for Parks, Beaches, Private Land & Water

If you are asking where can you scatter ashes in California, you are usually holding two needs at once. One is emotional: you want a place that feels true to the person you love. The other is practical: you do not want a meaningful moment interrupted by a ranger, a security guard, or a well-intentioned staff member saying, “I’m sorry, you can’t do that here.” In 2026, more families are navigating this question because cremation is now the majority choice nationally. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the U.S. cremation rate is projected at 63.4% for 2025, and the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) reports a U.S. cremation rate of 61.8% in 2024. And when families do choose cremation, scattering is not a fringe preference. The National Funeral Directors Association reports that, among people who would prefer cremation for themselves, 33.5% would want their remains scattered in a sentimental place.

This guide is written for California families who want clear answers, not legal jargon. It covers scatter ashes California laws as they typically apply in 2026, and it walks through the locations people actually search for: private land, state and local parks, federal lands (national parks, national forests, BLM), beaches, and water. Along the way, you will see the questions to ask, the permissions that matter, and the small practical details that prevent problems.

The California baseline rule: permission, discretion, and “no trace”

Most cremation ashes scattering rules California questions come back to one key statute: California Health & Safety Code section 7116. In plain language, it allows scattering in areas where there is no local prohibition, as long as the remains are not distinguishable to the public, the remains are not scattered while still in a container, and the person who controls disposition has written permission from the property owner or governing agency when scattering on that property. You can read the core requirements in California Health & Safety Code § 7116.

That last piece matters more than most people realize. California law also makes room for agencies to adopt policies that specifically authorize or prohibit scattering on lands they manage. That is why two places that look identical on a map can have completely different real-world answers once you call the office. It is also why the most reliable approach is not guessing, but confirming the managing agency and asking directly, in writing, before you go. The rest of this guide helps you know what to ask and what you are likely to hear.

Scattering on private property in California

For many families, the simplest answer to how to scatter ashes legally California is private land. A backyard, a family ranch, a cabin property, a favorite garden, or a piece of land tied to the person’s story often feels calmer than a public setting. Under HSC § 7116, the legal concept is straightforward: if you do not own the property, you need written permission from the owner. Even if you do own the property, it is still wise to document the plan in a simple way so there is no confusion later, especially if the land changes hands.

In practice, scatter ashes permission letter California can be as simple as an email from the owner that includes the date, the general location (“under the oak near the back fence,” or “along the creek behind the barn, away from the driveway”), and a clear sentence granting permission to scatter cremated remains. If you want to be especially thorough, include the name of the person responsible for scattering and keep a copy in your phone and printed in your car. Families also often take a discreet photo of the spot for themselves later. The point is not to create a paper trail for the world. It is to avoid a future “we never said that was okay” moment.

If your plan involves a gathering, be mindful of neighbors and visibility. California law’s “not distinguishable to the public” language in HSC § 7116 is one reason discreet methods matter. It is also simply kinder. The quietness of a private place is often what makes the moment feel safe.

Public lands and parks in California: state parks and local parks

When families search scatter ashes in state parks California, they are usually imagining redwoods, desert vistas, coastal bluffs, or a trail that meant something for years. The important thing to know is that California State Parks treats scattering as a permitted activity, not an automatic right. California State Parks states plainly that a permit is required to spread ashes in the State Park System and that the public should contact a district office to submit an application and learn the proper method. See California State Parks: Scattering Ashes of Loved Ones in State Parks.

State Parks also provides an example application packet that shows how detailed these rules can be in real life. In the “Application to Scatter Human Remains” example, the basic requirements include removing remains from the container, scattering so they are not distinguishable to the public, scattering (not leaving the remains in a pile), and staying at least 75 feet from trails or walkways. The document also emphasizes that if recognizable particles remain, they must be collected and removed. See the California State Parks application example (PDF).

One additional point that surprises beach and lake planners: California State Parks’ public guidance notes restrictions tied to Health & Safety Code section 7117(c), including limits related to bridges or piers and certain water locations. The State Parks Q&A page summarizes those restrictions directly. See California State Parks: Scattering Ashes Q&A.

Local and regional parks in California can be similar, even when they feel more informal. Many city and county parks require written permission or a permit, often routed through a special events or permits office. Some districts publish dedicated policies. For example, the East Bay Regional Park District has a formal permit page and references guidelines intended to ensure compliance with California Health & Safety Code requirements. See East Bay Regional Park District: Scattering of Cremated Remains Permit. Even if you are nowhere near the Bay Area, that page is a helpful reminder of the larger pattern: “public land” still belongs to an agency, and the agency gets to say yes, no, or yes-with-conditions.

Federal lands inside California: national parks, national forests, and BLM land

This is where families often get tripped up, because “federal land” is not one rule. It is a patchwork of agencies, each with its own authority and on-the-ground policy.

National parks in California

If you are searching scatter ashes in national parks California, assume that permission is required unless a park tells you otherwise. The regulation that controls memorialization in national parks is 36 CFR § 2.62, which states that scattering human ashes from cremation is prohibited except under a permit or in designated areas according to conditions established by the superintendent. You can read that language through the Legal Information Institute at 36 CFR § 2.62.

California parks often explain the process in plain terms. Yosemite National Park, for example, notes that the National Park Service normally grants permission to those wishing to scatter cremated remains and directs families to complete an application, with processing time that can take up to three weeks. See Yosemite National Park: Scattering Cremated Remains. Redwood National and State Parks similarly states that permission is required and ties the requirement both to California law and to the federal regulation on permits. See Redwood National and State Parks: Memorialization Ceremony.

Across national parks, the “shape” of the rules tends to feel familiar: scatter in an undeveloped area, stay away from trails and facilities, do not leave markers or objects, keep the group small, and treat it as a brief memorial moment rather than an event that changes the landscape. The most practical step is to search the specific park’s website for “scattering ashes,” “cremated remains,” or “memorialization,” then follow the permit or permission-letter process described there.

National forests in California

National forests are where the most confusion tends to live, because policies can vary and families often assume forests are “free space.” If you are searching scatter ashes in national forest California, do not rely on assumptions. Call the specific national forest or ranger district office and ask what is allowed, and whether written permission is required.

To show why, consider a California example: the Eldorado National Forest FAQ states that neither burial nor scattering of ashes is authorized on National Forest System lands, framing it as a permanent occupancy issue. See Eldorado National Forest: FAQs. That does not automatically tell you what every national forest in California will say, but it does demonstrate that “it’s the forest, so it must be fine” is not a safe plan.

If your loved one’s “dream place” is a national forest, treat your planning like you would treat a national park plan: identify the specific unit, contact the office, ask what they allow, and get the answer in writing. If the answer is no, ask what nearby options they recommend. Often, the best alternatives are a state park permit, BLM land, a cemetery scattering garden California option, or a private property location that still feels connected to the landscape they loved.

BLM land in California

BLM land is managed land, even when it looks like “wide open space.” The Bureau of Land Management has formal guidance stating that individual, non-commercial scattering of cremated remains is subject to applicable state law and is generally treated as “casual use,” with inquiries handled case-by-case and local units able to provide recommended locations and guidelines. See BLM: Scattering of Cremated Remains.

That means the right approach for scatter ashes on BLM land California is to identify the local BLM field office for the specific area and ask, “Is individual, non-commercial scattering allowed here? Are there closure areas or cultural sites we must avoid? Do you require prior notification or a letter?” If you get a yes, ask for the location guidance in writing. If you get a “we handle it case-by-case,” treat that as a permission step, not a vague shrug. It is still an answer you can document.

Beaches and coastal areas in California

The beach is one of the most searched locations, and it is also one of the easiest places to misunderstand, because “the beach” can mean a city beach, a county beach, a state beach, a state park unit, or land adjacent to federal property. So when people ask scatter ashes on the beach California, the real question is: who manages that specific stretch of sand?

If your plan is to scatter on the sand itself, you are typically in the “land” framework of HSC § 7116: no local prohibition, remains not distinguishable, and written permission from the governing agency if required. If your beach is part of the California State Park System, California State Parks says a permit is required. See California State Parks: Scattering Ashes Q&A.

If your plan is to scatter into the surf or the ocean, you are no longer planning “on the beach.” You are planning scatter ashes in ocean California, and the rules shift toward California’s “at sea” statute and federal guidance. This matters because some families do not realize that scattering from a pier, or tossing ashes from the shoreline, can run directly into restrictions that apply to “at sea” scattering. California Health & Safety Code section 7117 includes restrictions such as shoreline-distance limits and a prohibition on scattering from a bridge or pier, and it defines “at sea” to include inland navigable waters of the state (with important limits). See California Health & Safety Code § 7117.

Etiquette matters as much as legal permission on the coast. A quiet morning, a spot away from swimmers and tide pools, and a “leave no trace” mindset keep the experience respectful for everyone. It is also wise to avoid leaving items behind. If you bring flowers, consider removing non-biodegradable pieces and taking them with you afterward. If you use a container for transport, plan to remove and pack it out rather than leaving anything on the shoreline.

Lakes, rivers, and “burial at sea” style scattering

Water ceremonies are deeply meaningful in California, but they are also where families most often run into conflicting advice. Part of the confusion is that “water” can mean a lake, a river, a bay, or the open ocean. The rules are not identical.

Ocean scattering and burial at sea rules

For burial at sea rules California, start with California Health & Safety Code section 7117. It authorizes scattering “at sea” by boat or air, requires remains to be removed from the container before scattering, and requires a verified statement to be filed with the local registrar of births and deaths in the county nearest the point where the remains were scattered. It also includes important location limits, including a shoreline-distance rule and a prohibition on scattering from a bridge or pier. See HSC § 7117.

If your plan involves a biodegradable water urn rather than loose scattering, California has a specific statute addressing “scattering urns.” Health & Safety Code section 7117.1 allows transfer into a water-soluble scattering urn no more than seven days before the sea scattering, and it defines a “scattering urn” as one that dissolves and releases its contents within four hours of being placed at sea. See HSC § 7117.1.

Then there is the federal layer. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s burial-at-sea framework under the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act includes guidance for cremated remains in ocean waters, and the EPA states you must notify the EPA within 30 days of a burial at sea, using its reporting tools, even though the general permit does not require an application. See U.S. EPA: Burial at Sea. Many California families choose to comply with both the California framework and the EPA framework by going well offshore (often beyond the three-nautical-mile standard commonly discussed in burial-at-sea planning) and by using biodegradable materials.

One practical note that matters for families planning a combined ceremony: the EPA also makes clear that the general permit authorizes burial at sea of human remains only, and that pet remains cannot be mixed with cremated human remains for an authorized burial under the general permit. See U.S. EPA: Burial at Sea FAQ.

Lakes and rivers

Families also search scatter ashes in lake California and scatter ashes in river California, often because a specific freshwater place holds a story. In California, freshwater decisions are usually shaped less by one statewide “yes/no” rule and more by land management. If the water is in a state park, a local park, or a reservoir managed for drinking water, the managing agency may restrict or prohibit scattering. California State Parks’ public guidance highlights limits tied to Health & Safety Code section 7117(c) and discusses restrictions in common water contexts. See California State Parks: Scattering Ashes Q&A.

For non-ocean locations, treat the decision like any other public-land scattering plan under HSC § 7116: identify who manages the land and water, ask whether scattering is allowed, and confirm any conditions in writing. And even when it is allowed, it is wise to avoid areas near drinking-water intakes, heavily used swimming spots, marinas, and sensitive habitat areas. If you want your ceremony to feel peaceful rather than tense, choosing a quiet location and keeping the act discreet usually matters as much as the legal checkbox.

A checklist of questions to ask the land manager or agency

If you want a single tool that reduces surprises, it is this list. When families ask about an ashes scattering permit California, what they usually mean is, “What do I need to ask so we do not show up and do something that causes trouble?” Here is the checklist that works across private land, parks, beaches, and federal lands.

• Do you allow scattering of cremated remains at this location, and is it handled as a permit, a letter of permission, or informal written approval?
• Are there designated areas where scattering is allowed, or places where it is specifically prohibited (cultural sites, sensitive habitat, archaeological areas)?
• How far must we be from trails, trailheads, buildings, roads, campgrounds, or picnic areas?
• Are there distance-from-water rules (streams, lakes, tide pools, reservoirs, drinking-water infrastructure)?
• Is there a limit on group size, ceremony length, or whether we can gather off-trail?
• Are we allowed to bring flowers, candles, biodegradable wreaths, or other ceremony items, and what must be packed out afterward?
• Are any photos, drones, amplified music, tents, or memorial props restricted by policy?
• Do you require remains to be scattered (not left in a pile), and do you require removal of any visible fragments?
• If the location is coastal or water-based, what are the shoreline-distance rules and what reporting or notification is required?
• Who should we contact if conditions change (closures, wildfire impacts, weather access, seasonal restrictions)?

Practical tips that prevent problems on the day

Even with permission in hand, small planning choices can make the difference between a calm moment and a stressful one.

• Pick a time with fewer people. Sunrise or a weekday morning is often easier, especially for scatter ashes on the beach California plans.
• Watch wind direction and stand upwind. This sounds obvious, but it is the single most common “we wish someone had told us” issue.
• Bring a small card with your written permission, permit, or email approval. If you are in a state park, California State Parks notes the approved application should be in the possession of the person performing the scattering. See the State Parks application example (PDF).
• Keep it simple: avoid confetti, ribbons, glitter, or anything that creates cleanup or a “trace.” A leave-no-trace mindset also aligns with broader public-land ethics described by the National Park Service.
• Plan accessibility honestly. If a location requires a steep hike, consider a smaller group at the site and a separate gathering afterward so no one feels pressured.
• If you are traveling with ashes, use a travel-safe container that is easy to screen and keep documentation handy. Airline policies vary, and Delta’s published guidance notes that containers must pass X-ray screening and that a metal container that blocks the screener’s view may not be allowed through the checkpoint. See Delta Air Lines: Cremated remains (special items). For a family-focused walkthrough, Funeral.com’s guide TSA-Approved Urns and Flying With Cremated Remains explains what to expect and how to avoid last-minute stress.

When you are not ready to scatter everything: urns, keepsakes, and a “share plan”

Some families know exactly what they want: scatter the ashes, and that is the end of the plan. Many others are not ready to do it all at once. In fact, the NFDA’s preference data suggests families are often split between scattering, keeping, and interment decisions, which is why hybrid plans are so common. See the NFDA statistics page.

A “share plan” can be especially helpful when family members live in different places, when someone needs more time, or when you want the scattering location to be meaningful but also want a memorial at home. This is where cremation urns, small cremation urns, and keepsake urns can quietly support the plan without turning it into a shopping exercise.

If you want a primary memorial at home, Funeral.com’s collection of cremation urns for ashes includes styles meant for secure long-term storage and display. If you want to keep only a portion, small cremation urns can hold a meaningful share while remaining easy to place, and keepsake urns are designed for smaller portions when multiple people want to keep a part close. For families who want a wearable memorial, cremation jewelry and cremation necklaces offer an option that feels private and steady, and Funeral.com’s Cremation Jewelry 101 explains how these pieces work in real life.

If your loved one was a companion animal, the same logic applies. Some families scatter pet ashes in a favorite trail area (with permission), while others want a home memorial that feels tangible. Funeral.com’s pet cremation urns collection includes a wide range of styles, pet figurine cremation urns offer sculptural keepsakes, and pet keepsake cremation urns make sharing possible when multiple people want to hold onto a small portion.

If you want a gentle next step that stays practical, Funeral.com’s Journal also includes guides that support the larger funeral planning picture, including keeping ashes at home, what to do with ashes, and how families plan water burial moments. And if the practical question on your mind is how much does cremation cost in California, Funeral.com’s state-specific guide How Much Does Cremation Cost in California in 2026? is written for California families making decisions in real time.

FAQs: Scattering ashes in California