Damian Schroder shared on 2006-06-22:
We paddled Bird Creek June 21, 06. The Fast and Cold Guidebook does not give much information on this creek. We debated the Class V+ rating, but we also walked what we considered Class-VI rapids. We didn't suffer too much carnage, so it felt more Class IV. It gets fairly continuous, so the Class-V rating is not off the mark. The main thing to keep in mind about this river is if you can't see it, you NEED to scout it. We portaged a simple rapid due to strainers. I scraped into an eddy river- right, just before what we categorized as a Class-VI drop (do-able, but gnarly) reminiscent of Sock-em-dog on the Chattooga, also considered a Class VI. We ended up walking this one. I think it would be wise to hike in to see the 15+ foot waterfall before running this creek. KNOW THE EDDY! It's river-left after the Class V/VI continuous run through narrow, steep-walled banks. There is NO SECOND CHANCE once you enter the tight canyon. There is a Class IV (technically, but Class VI consequences) grinder in the middle of this canyon. Then there is the 15-foot (maybe bigger) waterfall that just so happens to have a log going across the drop. The best pieces of advice I can give towards this creek is, if the creek takes a sharp right hand turn, EDDY OUT! The first eddy will be on the right and the second (must not miss this one) is on the left. Scout often for strainers.

Ed. Note: Thanks, Damian! If anyone has good beta about this, or another stream, please share it by clicking the Comments tab, and clicking "Add a comment." This is how we can continue giving the best whitewater beta to you-all, the paddling public.