Santa Cruz, CA Memorial Forest
An exclusive 84-acre redwood forest in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Tour this forest
Explore Santa Cruz and find your perfect tree.
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What you’ll love about Santa Cruz

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.

Location and directions

Visiting hours

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

Address

0 Buzzard Lagoon Rd, Los Gatos, CA 95033

Drive from nearby cities

San Jose, CA

San Francisco, CA

Santa Cruz, CA

Explore the forest's sections

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

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.
Watch Kathryn and Joey’s story
Santa Cruz, CA
Watch Kathryn and Joey’s story
Santa Cruz, CA

Santa Cruz reviews on Google

See other California forests
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.