KENNEWICK — In recent decades, the most popular chosen end-of-life plan has trended away from burial, and increasingly toward cremation.
In fact, cremation rates reached 60.5% in 2023, and are expected to exceed 80% by 2045, according to the National Funeral Directors Association. Washington state is ahead of the trend, though.
In fact, Washington is among the states with the highest rates of cremation, according to the NFDA. Along with a handful of other states, Washington is expected to reach the 80% mark a decade earlier than the national rate, by 2035.
With a rise in cremation comes a rise in ash scattering. Where do most Washingtonians want their ashes spread? A recent report ranked the top three desired ash-scattering locations in the Evergreen State.
Most popular places to spread ashes in WA
An insurance agency specializing in final expense life insurance, Choice Mutual, conducted a survey of 3,000 people, asking where they would have their ashes spread if there were no restrictions. The results were compiled into a final ranking of favorite options in each state.
Some of the favorites in other states include the Prince William Sound in Alaska, Red River Gorge in Kentucky, Fenway Park in Massachusetts and the Las Vegas Strip in Nevada. The majority of state favorites were natural settings.
The two runners-up for Washington state were Husky Stadium in third place and the Olympic National Park in second place.
The most-desired location in Washington state to spread human ashes is Mount Rainier National Park.
But could you actually have ashes spread at these locations?
Where can I legally spread ashes?
You can spread cremated remains most places in Washington state with permission, according to the Revised Code of Washington. The process one needs to follow will depend on the type of land.
Many churches and cemeteries have designated scattering gardens available, but in general, spreading ashes on private land requires permission from the land owner. If on your own land, there are no restrictions.
At national parks, permission must be granted from the chief park ranger.
At state trust uplands, permission must be granted with the affiliated Washington State Department of Resources region manager.
No permission is necessary in state-controlled public waters, like the Puget Sound and rivers and lakes.
For the Pacific Ocean, you must follow the guidelines for burial at sea, which includes:
- Notifying the Environmental Protection Agency within 30 days
- Scattering must take place at least 3 nautical miles from land
- Only human cremains, no pets or other animals
Additionally, ashes need to be scattered beyond the “mean lower low water mark,” outlined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
University property is a bit more complicated, but you should still get direct permission from the school before spreading ashes somewhere at a university.
According to staff, ash spreading is not officially permitted at Husky Stadium. While it has happened before, UW’s official stance is that no one is permitted to spread ashes at the stadium.
To request permission in the other top chosen ash-scattering locations, you should call:
- Mount Rainier National Park: 360-569-2211
- Olympic National Park: 360-565-3130
