Manuel Quimper was a Spanish naval officer and explorer who undertook significant explorations in the Pacific Northwest during the late 18th century. As a part of Spain's efforts to assert its sovereignty and influence in the coastal regions of what is now the United States and Canada, Quimper was tasked with exploring the Strait of Juan de Fuca. In May 1790, he set sail aboard the San Carlos, moving through the intricate waterways of the region to gather intelligence about the geography, natural resources, and potential for trade. His expedition aimed to document the lush coastal environment and investigate existing claims from other nations, chiefly Great Britain and Russia.

During this expedition, Quimper and his crew made numerous landfalls along the coastline, identifying significant landmarks, inlets, and estuaries. Notably, he documented the abundant natural resources, including timber and fish, which would prove essential for any future settlements. Additionally, Quimper's interactions with the indigenous populations were crucial; he acknowledged their existing territories and cultures, contributing to the growing body of knowledge about native peoples in the region. His notes and maps from the journey were instrumental for future explorations and had long-lasting effects on navigation in the tumultuous waters of the Pacific Northwest.

Quimper's expedition played a pivotal role in the competition for territorial claims in the Pacific among European powers. The Strait of Juan de Fuca became an increasingly contested area, as the British and Americans later sought to expand their interests in the fertile and strategic coastal regions. The work undertaken by Quimper laid the groundwork not only for future Spanish explorations but also for the eventual territorial delineations that would unfold over the following decades. His expedition is viewed as a significant episode in the broader narrative of Pacific exploration and geopolitics, highlighting the intricate tapestry of exploration, cultural exchange, and international competition prevalent during that era.