Cloudcap Bay is a prominent indentation along the caldera wall of Crater Lake in Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, USA. It is a deep, clear, freshwater bay. Paddling access to the lake, and therefore Cloudcap Bay, is strictly controlled. The only legal access point to the water is via the Cleetwood Cove Trail, a steep, 1.1-mile descent to a designated boat dock and swimming area. This is the sole put-in and take-out for all private and tour boats. There are no other developed launches along the rim, including at Cloudcap Bay itself, which is only accessible by water or viewed from the Cloudcap Overlook on the Rim Drive. The lake's water is exceptionally pure and clear, sourced entirely from rain and snowmelt, with no visible inlets or outlets. The overall aesthetic is dramatic, with steep, multi-colored volcanic cliffs, including the massive Sentinel Rock promontory between Cloudcap Bay and Danger Bay, reflecting distinctly in the deep blue water. The bay offers views of Mount Cloudcap and Scott Peak on the eastern caldera rim. Paddling conditions are defined by high elevation, with the lake surface at over 6,000 feet, leading to cold water temperatures year-round and a very short operational season typically from July through October due to snow. The Rim Drive, which provides overlook access, is often only fully open during this period. Boat tours, which require advance reservations, operate from Cleetwood Cove and may pass by the bay. The primary hazards for paddlers are the cold water, the strenuous hike required to transport gear to and from the single launch site, and potential for crowded conditions at the Cleetwood Cove area during peak season. All paddlers must comply with National Park Service regulations regarding watercraft.