Lone Ranch 

Dive Type:  Shore/Kayak

Experience Level:  Intermediate to Advanced

Dangers:  Strenuous activity: a good walk from the parking area to the beach, surf entry, and a swim to the prime diving area.  Be alert for breakers and shore rocks during entry.  Divers should always dive within their limits.

 

 

 

 
Dive Profile:  Although not as initially impressive as Whale's Head or Harris Beach, Lone Ranch offers some wonderful shore diving.  The cove can easily be seen from the Hwy 101 and a small brown sign marks the road down to the parking lot.  Restrooms and picnic tables are nice luxuries of the site and the ocean is an easy 50 yard walk from your vehicle.  Most diving takes place from from the rocky shoreline bordering the north end of the beach.  Be careful walking over the rocks and entering through the surf line.  Once your in the water, get ready for some great diving.  The shoreline rocks tumble off into the depths, providing a wonderful expanse of boulders, holes, and crevices to explore.  Kelp, sea bass, lingcod, rockfish, anemones, and other sea life make a home here.  The area is popular for hunting but we suggest bringing your camera just in case.  If the vis is good the photography is fantastic.  The unassuming character of Lone Ranch hides an active and colorful underwater community.  Make a dive, bring a picnic, and walk the beach...there's nothing better on a weekend afternoon.

Directions: Lone Ranch is just south of Whale's Head and within 15 minutes north of Brookings, along Hwy 101.  Look for the road signs pointing the way down to the beach.