Damian Schroder shared on 2006-06-22 and later:
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 creek if you can't see it, you need to scout it; there are some permanent strainers. Mushroom Rapid is typically portaged and can be referenced by a bend to the right, a vertical wall on the left and large bolders (approximately 8-10ft high) on the right bank. There is a portage trail on the right. After Mushroom, the character changes significantly. This section is known as Inner Sanctum. Depending on the water level Inner Sanctum can vary from IV-V. It is fun and continuous. At the end of Inner Sanctum, there is a huge eddy on the left. Catch this eddy to portage or scout the falls. The best piece of advice for this creek is if the creek takes a sharp right hand turn, eddy out! The first eddy will be on the right (Mushroom) and the second is on the left (Bird Falls). 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._
Also see
this video of a few Alaska creeks. The video shows Center Falls (IV+) and Commando Drop (IV). The author comments: "Bird Creek is also good for packrafts at low water. Just skip Mushrom and the last big waterfall, scout as you go. Inner Sanctum is super fun." Them doods is a little crazed.