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Great River Natural Burial

Natural/Green Burial Cemetery in Mosier, Oregon, Overlooking the Pacific Northwest’s Scenic Columbia River Gorge

Circle of Life


Great River is a place that connects people and nature on all points of the circle of life, not just the point of passing. It is a setting for rituals and ceremonies that honor and celebrate life’s milestones, as well as a place for embracing the rhythms of nature and its seasons, whether through a hike, picnic or relaxing. Great River is not just a peaceful, final resting place, it is also a place where children—young and old—play, discover, and are inspired to wonder and learn.

The natural beauty and tranquility of Great River make it a place people want to visit, not just in times of sorrow, but also to return to in moments of reflection and celebration, embracing life affirming activities at every point in the circle of life.

Great River circle of life
father carries child on wooded hillside walk

Beginnings

explore / play / learn
nature day campers enjoy playing in grassy meadow

Growing

knowledge / skills / awareness
bride and groom after forest wedding

Life’s Milestones

achievements / challenges / celebrations
camp leader walks with camper on wooded trail

Aging/Mentoring

share / plan / teach
funeral with military honors at Great River Natural Burial

Endings

transition / introspection / peace

Great River

Where People and Nature Connect

Located on 150 acres, we are a cemetery that embraces life with a focus on 3 areas.

natural burial cemetery site near Columbia River Gorge with Mount Adams view

Why choose a natural burial?

Providing a natural, peaceful resting place for the deceased and solace for those who grieve
children playing in grand meadow

What outdoor learning experiences are available at Great River?

Enabling outdoor educational experiences that inspire curiosity, respect, and understanding of nature and the circle of life

two young girls plant trees at Great River

How can I get involved?

Restoring and conserving the natural, diverse ecosystem with the help of a caring community

We would like to extend a warm greeting and express our gratitude for considering Great River Natural Burial as a final resting place for yourself or your loved ones. We understand that choosing a final resting place is a deeply personal choice, and it is our privilege to have the opportunity to share with you the meaningful experience of natural burial.

We invite you to become part of our community, one that cherishes the connection between life, death, and the ever-cycling rhythms of the natural world. We look forward to the possibility of serving you and your family and being stewards of this precious land. Our promise to you is one of personalized care, attention to detail, and a compassionate approach to your journey with us as you lay your loved one to rest in ways that are meaningful to you.

“We were just basking in the memories of our time with you yesterday. You’ve facilitated a grounding and purposeful journey for us and we are thankful.””
Jan, August 2025
Pre-need plot owners
“I am amazed at how emotional I feel about the stone! It is nice that I can be there to see it placed. … It feels good to have these arrangements finalized.””
Kathy, July 2025
Pre-need plot owner who also pre-arranged, and designed their headstone
“Thank you for your time, patience and knowledge. Your commitment to stewardship of the land is obvious and inspiring.  I look forward to participating in such a beautiful place.”…”
Shelley, August 2025
Pre-need plot owner
“We all want to thank you for helping us have a meaningful burial for [loved one].  Your presence was so helpful and not intrusive.  The thoughtfulness you showed by putting up se…”
Heather, February 2025
Loved one buried at Great River
“Saturday’s event was so special, meaning-filled and rich. I feel it flowed beautifully. Thank you for creating the event so people could learn about the phenomenally important wo…”
Heather, May 2025
Celebrant , songstress, and attendee of Great River’s opening celebration
” You & Rus created a truly impressive, touching & informative day! I’ve heard from several people as well that they are so impressed by the beauty and ethos of Great Rive…”
Suzanne, May 2025
Celebrant, and attendee who joined Great River in celebrating it’s opening
“Thank you and Russell so much for making Saturday such a good experience.  I love the spot you chose for [loved one]’s internment and the place for the bench is perfect.  All the…”
Christina, May 2025
Loved one interred in Great River’s in-ground scattering meadow
“Russ handed me a small pink flag on a metal stake, “when you find the right spot, just mark it with this.” With those words, I set out to explore the untamed lands of “Great Rive…”
Pastor Vicky, May 2025
“Our Days on This Side of the Soil” from The Current, Riverside Community Church Newsletter, describing choosing a plot at Great River
“Thank you for being our guide for this important moment. I truly appreciate you.””
Anonymous, April 2025
Loved one buried at Great River
“All of us family and friends of [loved one] thank you both for the incredible experience of closure and completion that you helped us experience on [date]. It was perfect.””
Alan, April 2025
Loved one buried at Great River
    Great River - Where People and Nature Connect, engraved stone sign
    summer sunset over Grand Meadow at Great River, Oregon