The Chain of Craters Road takes you from the Crater Rim Drive to the ocean. When making this drive, you will notice quite a drop in both altitude and differences in temperature from the Visitor Center and the nearby Volcano House. The best time to see the orange lava glow is at dusk or at night. Parking is along the road at the end of the road but on weekends and holidays, there can be a lot of people coming to watch the lava flow. You may have to park back up the road a good distance (maybe even as much as a mile) and hike down to where the Ranger Station and lava flow blocks the road. Here you will begin making your way onto the rocky hardened lava flow for another half to one mile to get a good vantage point from which to view the lava flow. At night, the orange glow of the flow as it snakes down the mountain side is quite dramatic. Even from this vantage point, you will still be at least 5 miles away from the actual flow itself.

Heed warnings that may be placed in this area or directions from rangers for your own safety. Even from this location, the air contains hydrofluoric acid and may cause problems for some people with respiratory problems. Be sure to wear long pants and shirt sleeves to minimize damage to your skin from the acids contained in the air here. Climbing around on hardened lava flows is also tricky so be sure to wear sturdy shoes (no flip flops) or you may sprain an ankle. This trip is also not for people who are not in good physical shape or in fragile health. You may want to come early as the sun is setting to stake out your viewing spot. The area can become pretty crowded especially on weekends. You will also want a strong flashlight to help identify a good return pathway across the lava flow when you are ready to leave. The flashlight will help you avoid cracks and big holes as you make your way back to the Ranger stand and the road where your vehicle is parked.

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