The description by NR7Y is still accurate in 2024 for the approach from the south. I had some difficulty finding the correct road to the gate. Here is a gps track to the gate:
http://www.pnwsota.org/content/w7onc-007-drive-route
On the mile summit hike, we passed a couple of hunters sitting in their truck. On the way down we stopped and talked to them. I guess we provided them some ammusement since the weather was terrible and most hunters were staying warm inside their vehicles. I assumed they had keys to the gate, but they drove in from the west. The Stimson map has a red circled X for Edwards Butte in Square 17. The gate we parked at is between Squares 21&22. The hunters drove in from green circle #1 or #2. #1 looks like a more direct route.
This would not be a bad place to hang out during a SSB contest or S2S party. Not sure how easy it is to get VHF contacts. I brought my VHF and HF equipment, but got four VHF contacts and hiked down. If the weather on the coast is bad, Edwards Butte will proably be worse since it is one of the taller, most westwardly peaks. I am surprised my wife continues to go on these hikes with me.
The view from the summit was nice despite the weather.
Jeff
WX7OR
