Where Can You Legally Spread Ashes in Montana?

Spreading Ashes in Montana? Here's What You Should Know

Like everything else, dying is getting more expensive. An average funeral and burial in the U.S. costs between $7,000 and $12,000. Cremation, on the other hand, can cost significantly less and is becoming increasingly popular. In Montana, nearly 75% of people choose cremation.

So what about spreading ashes? In Big Sky Country, you’ve got options—and pretty loose rules.

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Private land? Get permission if it's not your land; otherwise totally fine, especially if the deceased owned it.
City or county land? Usually okay, but some funeral homes (like Dahl in Billings) suggest avoiding city parks, just to be respectful.
School Trust Land? You’ll need to apply through the Montana DNRC and pay a fee.
State waters? Good to go—no permit required.
State Parks? Not allowed unless you get special permission from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
BLM and National Forests? No permits needed.
National Parks? Different rules. In Yellowstone, call (307) 344-2107 with details of your plan. In Glacier, notify the permit office at (406) 888-7800 with time, date, and location. Both parks require ashes to be scattered only in undeveloped areas—far from trails, buildings, campgrounds, and lakes.
From an airplane? Legal, as long as it doesn’t create a hazard.
Tribal lands? Always check with the local tribal council first.

Montana State University Extension Office has a great resource on this if you want to further explore options and legality. Generally speaking, in Montana, if you're respectful and responsible, there are plenty of beautiful places to return to the earth.