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The Ape Caves in Mount St. Helens Will Reopen to the Public in May Gifford Pinchot National Forest will introduce a timed ticketing system to help mitigate all that traffic at the increasingly popular attraction. North America s third-largest lava tube is preparing to reopen to the public. Ape Cave, located about 70 miles from Portland on the south side of Mount St. Helens, will welcome back visitors beginning May 18. The attraction has been closed since last spring in response to the pandemic.