Santa Cruz Forest Memorials - Forest Burials Alternative Near Pacific Ocean

Santa Cruz, CA Memorial Forest

An exclusive 84-acre redwood forest in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Call us
1-877-830-8311

What you’ll love about Santa Cruz

Towering redwoods in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains

Seasonal streams and spring-fed pond sustain a variety of wildlife

Short, hand-crafted stone walls create respectful enclosures for memorial trees

forest highlights

flora & fauna

forest highlights

What makes this forest special

In this forest, we practice restoration forestry to promote old-growth conditions and encourage forest diversity. This approach enables the older, healthier trees in the forest to live longer and sustain more life in the forest.

The Santa Cruz forest is home to redwoods, Douglas firs, madrones and evergreen tanoaks. The pond and a seasonal stream sustain a variety of life, including newts, banana slugs, and tree frogs. Numerous bird species are found here, as well as deer and the occasional mountain lion.

When you purchase a memorial tree in Santa Cruz, you contribute to the lasting protection of forestland and wildlife habitat that your loved ones can enjoy – now and for years to come.

flora & fauna

What you’re protecting

Better Place Forests Santa Cruz overlooks Soquel Creek, a 16-mile creek with numerous tributaries. Protecting the forest contributes to the overall health of the watershed. The forest borders Nisene Marks State Park to the south and is near the Soquel Demonstration Forest.

Experience the sights and sounds

Take a forest tour online or in person to discover the beauty of Santa Cruz.

Take a forest tour

Location and directions

Visiting hours

Visits available by appointment only
Fri–Mon from 10am–4pm

Address

Buzzard Lagoon Rd, Los Gatos, CA 95033

Drive from nearby cities

San Jose, CA

San Francisco, CA

Santa Cruz, CA

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Upcoming events

Explore the forest on a guided group tour and learn more about memorial trees.

Explore the forest's sections

Choose an area based on your preferences: access to trails, special views, or natural features.

Available trees in Santa Cruz

View all trees

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Join thousands choosing to leave the earth, better

Kathryn and Joey chose each other for eternity in life and beyond at their memorial tree in the Santa Cruz mountains.

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Watch Kathryn and Joey’s story

Santa Cruz, CA

Watch Kathryn and Joey’s story

Santa Cruz, CA

See more stories

“I knew without ever seeing this breathtakingly beautiful forest that it was the right choice for my son. Now, having seen it, I can truly say, there is no better place for him to rest eternally.”

“Beautiful trees bathed in sunshine, salty air and wildlife. Found my final resting place. So very pleased!”

“Carly, our tour guide, was very knowledgeable about the different trees they have, ceremonies, and pricing — very friendly and helpful. Great area to honor loved ones lost!”

“The location is amazing and it was a perfect time on a perfect day, the sun was warming the morning dew, the recent rains meant running water everywhere, and the sunlight was entering at just the right spot. For us, this is the perfect place for our family to remember: beautiful, serene, outdoors.”

See other California forests

Tours available

Yosemite Gateway, CA

Majestic mountain meadows, 30 miles west of Yosemite National Park.

Tours available

Point Arena, CA

a thriving 40-acre redwood forest on the Mendocino coast, three hours north of San Francisco.

Tours available

Lake Arrowhead, CA

Better Place Forests Lake Arrowhead is a 51-acre ridgetop forest nestled in the San Bernardino mountains, just minutes from Lake Arrowhead.

FAQ

Can I visit the Santa Cruz memorial forest?

Yes! We’d love to host you and your loved ones in the forest. Book a tour to experience Santa Cruz, meet our team, and enjoy the forest. You can also reach us by phone at 877-830-8311, or email at [email protected]

Where is Better Place Forests Santa Cruz located?

Better Place Forests Santa Cruz is located at Buzzard Lagoon Rd, Los Gatos, CA 95033. Our Santa Cruz location is about 30 miles from San Jose, or about an hour drive. For more information, visit our Driving Directions to Better Place Forests Santa Cruz.

How much does a funeral cost in San Jose?

Based on a report from The Mercury News, including a cremation casket and urn, funeral with cremation costs "approximately $6,260, according to 2016 median prices from the National Funeral Directors Association.”

For more information, visit our guide on the cost of a traditional burial vs. ashes in a memorial forest.

Do you need a permit to spread ashes in California?

Yes, in California all burials or scattering of ashes require a permit. For more information, visit our Guide to Spreading Ashes in California.

Is there an alternative to a traditional funeral in Northern California?

Yes — Better Place Forests Santa Cruz is a natural alternative to traditional funerals for those who choose cremation. With Better Place Forests, you can choose a memorial tree instead of a tombstone as a lasting, living memorial that helps protect forestland and local habitats. To learn more, book an online or in-person forest tour today.

How does Better Place Forests work?

Better Place Forests offers a natural alternative to cemeteries for those who choose cremation. When you choose a memorial tree, you help protect it and the entire forest for years to come.

Our team will help you plan a forest memorial to create an experience that’s right for you, and the ashes of loved ones and pets can join your tree in the future if you choose. When the time comes, ashes are mixed with local soil and placed at the base of your tree, becoming part of the forest.

To choose your tree, you can book an online forest tour with one of our advisors. For more information, visit How Better Place Forests Works.