Ben Smith is now a drive up. It has been clear cut and there is a good road to the top.
I followed K7ATN's instructions to the motorcycle trail. http://www.pnwsota.org/blog/k7atn/2016-august-30/ben-smith-or-peak-2592-august-2016 However, I did not see it when I arrived at the coordinates. As I pulled away to see if it was farther down the road I spotted it near the top. The bottom had been covered in logging debris. Before I found 40 acres to turn my rig around I spotted a road cut up the side of the hill. Seemed like that would be a better walk so I kept driving on down the road. There was a very sharp (two point for me) turn that headed up to the top. Very good gravel all the way. No walking required except by the rules.
While in the area check out NC-091, which is also now a drive up. http://summits.sota.org.uk/summit/W7O/NC-091