Better Place Forests - Lake Arrowhead - Lake Arrowhead, California

Carlease B.

I purchased a tree for myself at Better Place Forest (Lake Arrowhead) for "when that time comes". When I learned that I could also place my pet's ashes at the same tree I took my precious Genesius off the book shelf and prepared a little memorial for him. I had him cremated years ago. This felt like I was giving him another one of his 9 lives. Two friends (who are my trustees) drove up with me to see the forest, visit my tree and do a little memorial for my fur-baby. We also ate lunch at a lovely Chinese restaurant nearby. It was a wonderful adventure and we are still talking about it. Niki and Ashleigh are delightful hosts who made the experience a joyful celebration. They even provided a small jar for any ashes I wanted to keep. So now (some of) Genesius is back on a shelf in my home in the beauiful cat urn I purchased for him.

Iris K.

I hope we merge back into the universe when we die and become one with all matter and more. I love the idea of merging with nature without any enclosures. Of course scattering is an option but there is something to be said to be able to visit a particular spot in memory of loved ones. in Europe there are quite a lot of options nowadays to get a ‘resting place’ in nature. I had put my brother’s ashes to rest in a biodegradable urn at the foot of a mountain in Salzburg. His ashes merged into a lovely meadow surrounded by distinguished trees. My late husband liked the idea of resting in nature very much as well. When he passed I looked to find a beautiful setting for his ashes in California and was so glad to have found Better Place Forest Lake Arrowhead. It is a wonderful picturesque forest with many different kinds of gorgeous trees. The atmosphere there is so tranquil, the air is filled with delicious fragrances of pines and flowers and walking on the paths winding through the trees one feels at peace. The Better Place Forest team was so sweet and helpful all throughout the process. The memorial ceremony itself was very lovely and comforting; the symbolic and literal beauty of mixing the ashes with the earth and wild flowers was very touching. Our family recited poems and read eulogies and put the ash mixture into a nest made of pine needles that had been prepared by the team. At the end one covers the arrangements gently so it can submerge into the soil and fuse with the tree’s ground. The weather on our ceremony’s day had taken us a bit by surprise as it had changed over night; there was some fog and light rain on and off, but that just added to the mystical beautiful atmosphere and I am so grateful that I can visit now the peaceful enchanting spot where the ashes lay in my mind as well as in person. Thank you Better Place Forest.

F M.

We re-visited our daughter’s tree and Niki, Ashleigh, and Susan were so understanding and helpful. They were more than willing to help transport people to our site and assisted us with integrating our remaining ashes. We did not feel rushed, quite the opposite, we felt at peace.

There is still work that needs to be done and I was told the permitting process is moving forward. It’s going to be so wonderful once everything is complete.

We brought our puppy without any issues. We’re hoping to make another trip in the fall or winter.

We are extremely happy that we have this option for our daughter.

Jill S.

We could not have found a more beautiful or appropriate setting for our parents’ final resting place than Better Place Forests. For our bird-watching, nature-loving, non-traditionalist parents, we were comforted and secure in knowing that we picked a spot that they would love. To each their own, but I love being able to picture where they are in my mind’s eye, instead of being scattered to the winds. Better Place gives you all the info you need (beautifully presented, I might add) so that you feel prepared the day of (if you are having a Service.) Niki and the entire team are sensitive and caring. We look forward to returning and enjoying the serenity of the woods. Highly recommend.

Paula B.

Discovered Better Place Forest after our son died in January 2022 and what a blessing it was, I believe he led us to the link. It’s like a secret garden, but a secret forest. It is so peaceful and is so beautiful walking the trails to my son’s tree. I feel his presence in the whisper of the trees. The staff are absolutely amazing and wonderful. They are so compassionate, kind and go out of their way to accommodate us when we come up to visit.
My family and friends had never heard of this type of option for burial and now are looking into this as their final resting place. My husband and I bought a tree right next to our son.
I love being able to hug my son’s tree.

Don D.

Our family visited the Memorial Forest in Lake Arrowhead this past Saturday to view the tree that I have selected for my wife's ashes (and mine when the time comes) to be laid to rest. Our guides, Nikki and Ashleigh were so helpful and knowledgeable about the forest, explaining all the details about the ceremony, etc. They led us to our tree and allowed us time to sit and take in the view of the surrounding area. The tree we chose faces West so that is perfect because my wife LOVED the sunsets. It was a warm and pleasant day and the sun was shinning through the trees. The drive up from Orange County was long but it was worth the time. We're so happy with our selection and look forward to the ceremony soon.
UDATE: We had our Memorial Ceremony on 11/19/23 and it was a beautiful day! My children and I sincerely appreciated the way that Niki and Ashleigh organized and conducted the ceremony. It was very emotional and meaningful for our family. We look forward to visiting my wife and her beautiful tree often. This place of resting for her was far more meaningful and peaceful than a traditional cemetery burial!

H F.

This location has existed for thousands of years and most recently was a portion of National Forest. Better Place bought this plot of land and realized they could make money charging people $20,000 to place your loved ones ashes at a tree that existed before the corporate owners of Better Place were even born. The locals have been visiting and taking care of this place for decades. Now when you try to visit to walk the long established hiking trails, a care taker of Better Place will often harass you and give you a hard time about being there. This along with all the signs they posted all around the forest, are constant reminders that this place is now under corporate ownership. Meanwhile they have removed many trees and expanded the trails in an effort to expand its marketability for overpriced memorial services. This disrupts local wildlife and natural forest growth.
The truth is, it costs nothing to leave the ashes of a relative in the forest but this company has the audacity to charge tens of thousands to grieving people for the priledge to do so. You can't own a living thing. This forest existed before Better Place did and it will exist long after this company goes under, as long as society as a whole cares for and protects natural places like this.

Sheila C.

My sister’s memorial was beautiful thanks to Niki and her wonderful team.
They were so caring and helpful.
The ceremony felt so respectful and loving that we felt sad but happy to celebrate my little sister. Thank you