Bird Creek

We paddled Bird Creek June 21, 06. The Fast and Cold Guide Book 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 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 catagorized as a Class VI drop (do-able, but narley) 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.