Kimple Beach bears the name of the Kimple family, pioneering homesteaders who arrived on Orcas Island in the early 20th century and established themselves as integral members of the island community. Bill Kimple and his family began clearing select old-growth forest trees in the 1930s to construct traditional log cabins with electricity, opening Beach Haven resort to their first guests in 1939 when travel to the San Juan Islands remained an adventure accessible primarily to Seattle's more affluent visitors who could afford the ferry journey. The Kimple family's roots ran deep in the Eastsound community, with Chester Irving Kimple and Merrill David Kimple graduating from Orcas Island Agricultural High School in the early 20th century, while LuLu Kimple maintained connections with Emmanuel Episcopal Church, and descendants continuing to live on the island into the present day. M.L. Kimple achieved a measure of historical fame in the summer of 1912 when he discovered a large lump of waxy ambergris on the beach—a valuable substance produced by sperm whales—which he moved to higher ground and eventually to the barn at the Kimple brickworks, representing one of the unusual maritime discoveries that occasionally rewarded beachcombers in the San Juan Islands. The beach that came to bear the family's name reflects their enduring presence in the Eastsound area and their contribution to Orcas Island's development as both a working community and a destination for visitors seeking the Pacific Northwest's natural beauty.
Kimple Beach offers a secluded and intimate beach experience spanning approximately 100 feet along the sheltered waters of East Sound, with the dramatic Turtleback Range rising as a backdrop to the tranquil shoreline setting. Swimming attracts visitors during warmer summer months, though the waters maintain characteristic Pacific Northwest coolness with temperatures that rarely exceed the mid-50s Fahrenheit even at their warmest, requiring hardy swimmers or those content with brief refreshing dips. The beach's lack of lifeguards and developed facilities contributes to its peaceful, untouched character, making it ideal for visitors seeking solitude and unmediated connection with nature rather than resort-style amenities. Sunbathing on the beach provides opportunities to soak in the serene atmosphere while watching boat traffic navigate East Sound and observing shorebirds hunting along the water's edge. Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding rank among popular activities in the surrounding waters, with rental equipment available at West Beach Resort and other island outfitters, allowing paddlers to explore the coastline, investigate kelp beds that shelter marine life, and potentially observe harbor seals, river otters, and diverse seabirds including great blue herons and bald eagles. The beach's relatively undeveloped nature means visitors should come prepared with food, water, and other supplies, as no facilities exist directly at the beach, though the nearby village of Eastsound—just minutes away—provides comprehensive services including restaurants, shops, and accommodations for those making the beach part of a longer island visit.
Eastsound village offers exceptional dining within easy reach of Kimple Beach, featuring restaurants that emphasize fresh local ingredients and Pacific Northwest culinary traditions. Matia serves Michelin-nominated chef-driven tasting menus featuring spot prawn crudo with citrus and microgreens, seared scallops with cauliflower puree and truffle oil, wild salmon preparations highlighting seasonal island vegetables, locally foraged mushrooms prepared with creative techniques, and carefully selected wine pairings from Washington and Oregon vineyards. Houlme specializes in Michelin-nominated wood-fired pizzas with combinations like prosciutto with arugula and shaved parmesan, wild mushroom with truffle and mozzarella, locally caught seafood with fresh herbs and garlic, alongside small plates featuring charcuterie boards, roasted seasonal vegetables, and artisan cheeses from San Juan Islands and regional producers. The Madrona Bar & Grill provides casual waterfront dining with views across the sound, serving fish and chips made with cod caught in local waters, grilled wild salmon with lemon-dill butter, Dungeness crab cakes with spicy remoulade, burgers prepared with island-raised beef, and craft cocktails featuring spirits from Washington distilleries. Doe Bay Café offers meals with water views including breakfast items like eggs benedict with locally smoked salmon and hollandaise sauce, lunch sandwiches with fresh vegetables and regional meats, dinner entrees showcasing seasonal seafood and produce from island farms, and vegetarian options that celebrate Orcas Island's agricultural bounty. The Lower Tavern serves pub fare including burgers with bacon and aged cheddar, loaded nachos with house-made ingredients, fish tacos with fresh salsa and cabbage slaw, local oysters served raw on the half shell with champagne mignonette, and rotating selections of craft beers from Washington breweries, creating a relaxed atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a day exploring the secluded beaches and natural beauty of Orcas Island.
