June 7 - 12, 2026*
June 6-11, 2027*
6 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS from $2,395
8 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS from $3,645*
*Optional Mt. Shasta summit adds two days
Trip Highlights
The 30th Annual Wilderness Medicine Skills Course at a spectacular riverside location, with 16 CME credits
Enjoy four days of whitewater rafting on some of California's finest rivers. Learn to guide a raft, or just paddle and enjoy!
An emphasis on hands-on skills training and scenarios led by renowned instructor Howard Donner, MD
Practice wilderness survival skills, navigation, and river rescue. Learn how to kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and more!
Savor delicious farm-to-table meals prepared by Chef Lauren! Unwind with riverside wine tasting and happy hour
Learn snow travel & self rescue skills, then summit majestic 14,180 ft. Mount Shasta (optional)
Welcome to The Premier Skills Course in Wilderness Medicine
This highly acclaimed course is designed for physicians, PAs, NPs, nurses, medics, and other clinicians seeking practical, field-ready skills for use in remote, austere, and outdoor environments.
Learn directly from experienced wilderness medicine faculty—including Howard Donner, MD—through live demonstrations, interactive workshops, and scenario-based training. Topics range from hypothermia and altitude illness to improvised splinting and real-world patient evacuation in the backcountry.
Earn 16 CME credits while whitewater rafting some of Northern California’s finest rivers, enjoying farm-to-table meals, and learning alongside a community of like-minded professionals. Optional experiences include whitewater kayaking and a guided Mt. Shasta summit attempt for those seeking a true expedition-level challenge.
Non-medical guests (ages 13 and up) are welcome to join and participate at their own pace!
Wilderness & Expedition Medicine Skills Include:
- Hypothermia, frostbite, heat illness, and altitude illness
- Field management of wounds, fractures, dislocations, and sprains, including reduction and improvised splinting
- Snake envenomations, wilderness ENT problems
- Backcountry evacuation, improvised carries, patient packaging, and litter systems
- Waterborne illness and field water disinfection
- Building a practical medical kit for travel, adventure, and expeditions
Wilderness Survival & Travel Skills Include:
- Fire starting, shelter building, signaling, and water procurement
- Ropes & knots for survival and rescue
- Blister prevention and expedition foot care
- Whitewater rafting, cold-water immersion, and swift-water crossing skills
- Wilderness rescue, communications, and in-flight emergencies
- Optional basic mountaineering skills, including ice axe use and snow travel (taught by SWS Mountain Guides)
Course Location
The course is based at Paradise Point, a private 20-acre riverside retreat in Northern California, surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of Mt. Shasta, the Marble Mountains, and the Siskiyou Wilderness. This diverse terrain provides an ideal outdoor classroom and a perfect launch point for whitewater rafting on some of America’s premier rivers. All meals and beverages—including wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options—are included and thoughtfully prepared onsite.
Despite its secluded setting, Paradise Point is easy to access. We recommend flying into Medford Airport (MFR), a well-connected regional hub just a short drive away. Rental cars are readily available, and optional round-trip shuttle service may be arranged.
Itinerary Snapshot
Wilderness Medicine & Survial Skills Course
& Whitewater Rafting Adventure
The itinerary below is our planned schedule. However, times are estimates and topics may vary depending on a variety of factors.
DAY 1 - Foundations of Wilderness SurvivalArrive anytime before 10:00 AM
Breakfast and coffee available
10:00 AM: Introductions and course overview
11:00 AM: Survival skills: emergency shelter, fire building, priorities, and essential gear
12:00 PM: Lunch
1:00 PM: Ropes and knots for survival and rescue
1:45 PM: Signaling for rescue (mirrors, electronics, lasers)
2:30 PM: Skills Challenge (fire starting, knots, signaling, kayaking)
4:00 PM: Happy Hour
5:15 PM: Flood and swift-water rescue; mechanical advantage
6:30 PM: Dinner
7:30 PM (Optional): Massage sessions with Taylor, Licensed Massage Therapist (available throughout the week)
DAY 2 - Cold, Altitude, and Expedition Medicine
6:45 AM (Optional): Guided Yoga with Taylor
7:30 AM: Breakfast
8:30 AM: Hypothermia and cold-water immersion
9:45 AM: Wilderness medicine skills: carries and patient packaging
11:00 AM High-altitude illness
12:00 PM: Lunch
1:00 PM: Whitewater rafting on the Klamath River (Class III; moderate and fun) at the base of the Marble Mountains
4:00 PM: Happy Hour
5:15 PM: Preparing a medical kit for wilderness travel
6:30 PM: Dinner
7:30 PM (Optional): Natural history, wildlife, and Klamath River dam removal presentation
DAY 3 - Orthopedics, Wound Care, and River Skills
6:45 AM (Optional): Guided Yoga
7:30 AM: Breakfast
8:30 AM: Blisters and wound care management
9:15 AM: Splinting workshop for common orthopedic and soft-tissue injuries
1:00 PM: Vans depart for whitewater rafting on the Klamath River or Clear Creek
(Lunch on the river; Class III whitewater in a deep canyon—flow dependent)
4:00 PM: Happy Hour and optional cornhole tournament
5:15 PM: Reducing shoulder dislocations; frostbite
6:30 PM: Dinner
7:30 PM Optional: Short film night: I Need to Catch a Fish
DAY 4 - Heat, Communication, and Rescue
6:45 AM (Optional): Guided Yoga
7:30 AM: Breakfast
8:30 AM: Heat Illness
9:30 AM: Rescue communications
11:00 AM: Vans depart for whitewater rafting on the Klamath River or Clear Creek
(Lunch on the river; includes swift-water crossing practice; flow dependent)
4:00 PM: Happy Hour
5:15 PM: Medical emergencies in the air, water treatment
6:30 PM: Dinner
DAY 5 - Scenarios and Integration
6:45 AM (Optional): Guided Yoga
7:30 AM: Breakfast
8:30 AM: Patient assessment and scenario-based training
11:00 AM: Vans depart for whitewater rafting on the Klamath River or Clear Creek
(Lunch on the river; includes swift-water crossing practice; flow dependent)
4:00 PM: Happy Hour and optional skills challenge
5:45 PM: What the wilderness teaches us about optimal health
6:30 PM: Dinner
Optional High-Altitude Add-On Experience (14,180 ft)
DAY 6 (Optional): All-day Snow School on Mt. Shasta with Sierra Wilderness Seminars. This hands-on workshop covers snow travel, crampon techniques, ice axe use, and self-arrest and self-rescue skills.
DAYS 7-8 (Optional): Guided ascent to the summit of Mt. Shasta (14,180 ft), offering a true expedition-style mountaineering experience.
About the Whitewater Rafting
This course includes four days of exceptional whitewater rafting. Three days are spent on scenic Class II–III sections of the Klamath River and Clear Creek—well-suited for all skill levels. These rivers wind through rugged, forested canyons rich with wildlife, including bald eagles, osprey, black bears, deer, and river otters.
On the fourth day, we head to the nearby Salmon River for a more challenging Class IV run through a spectacular granite gorge with crystal-clear water. For those preferring a mellower option, an alternative Class II–III section of the Klamath River is available.
Rafting is led by an outstanding guide team that includes two former members of the U.S. National Whitewater Rafting Team.
Nearby side trips you can do on your own before or after the Wilderness Medicine and Survival Skills Course!
We raft 3 fantastic rivers on this trip!
Weather and river flow permitting
Klamath River
The Klamath River is renowned for its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife—earning its designation as a National Wild & Scenic River. Its fun, splashy Class II–III rapids make it ideal for all skill levels, from first-timers to experienced paddlers.
Clear Creek
Pristine and remote, Clear Creek offers an almost surreal beauty. Paddle through crystal-clear waters flowing through a deep bedrock gorge, surrounded by lush forest. Along the way, enjoy a series of frequent and fun Class II–III rapids.
Salmon River
The Cal Salmon is a true whitewater classic, winding through a steep, granite gorge of breathtaking beauty. You'll encounter crystal-clear emerald pools highlighted by thrilling Class III–IV rapids, making for an unforgettable and exhilarating ride.
Dates & Pricing
Our trips typically sell out, so we recommend booking early to secure your spot.
Trips include: All meals & drinks, 4 days of whitewater rafting, tent, sleeping pad ($200 discount for participants who bring their own tent/pad)
June 7 - 12, 2026
WTM Intensive Skills Course Only
Medical professionals: $2,395
Adult Guests (Non-medical professionals): $1,895
Guests 13-18 years: $995
$789 Optional CME Cost
(16 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™)
$100 Optional round trip van transfer from MFR airport to Paradise Point
(Participants can also rent a car or bring their own)
Available - Filling Quickly
June 7 - 14, 2026
WTM Intensive Skills Course & Mt. Shasta Climb
Medical professionals: $3,695
Adult Guests (Non-medical professionals): $3,195
Guests 13-18 years: $2,245
$789 Optional CME Cost
(16 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™)
$100 Optional round trip van transfer from MFR airport to Paradise Point
(Participants can also rent a car or bring their own)
Available - Filling Quickly
June 6-11, 2027
WTM Intensive Skills Course Only
Medical professionals: $2,445
Adult Guests (Non-medical professionals): $1,995
Guests 13-18 years: $995
$789 Optional CME Cost
(16 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™)
$100 Optional round-trip van transfer from MFR airport to Paradise Point
(Participants can also rent a car or bring their own)
Available - Filling Quickly
June 6-13, 2027
WTM Intensive Skills Course & Mt. Shasta Climb
Medical professionals: $3,845
Adult Guests (Non-medical professionals): $3,395
Guests 13-18 years: $2,345
$789 Optional CME Cost
(16 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™)
$100 Optional round-trip van transfer from MFR airport to Paradise Point
(Participants can also rent a car or bring their own)
Available - Filling Quickly
Questions? Ready to reserve your spot?
Speak to an expert at Bio Bio Expeditions
1-800-246-7238
A few of the publications Bio Bio Expeditions has been featured in:
Testimonials From Your Colleagues
"Wow! Expectations met and exceeded! The site was perfect. Phenomenal instructors and good human beings. The content of the lectures was interesting and well delivered. The guide staff went out of their way to make sure everything was taken care of and had a smile the entire time they were doing it. Food was delicious and accommodated all diets. Happy hours and desserts were amazing! I couldn't be happier. Thank you :)"
MINDY CHAIREZ, RN (2021 SKILLS COURSE PARTICIPANT)
"Best CME ever! This will be a trip we will remember forever! Awesome itinerary! Wonderful faculty-tops in knowledge! I learned many new things from all of the faculty."
KEN MASON, MD - ANESTHESIOLOGY
"Faculty were all personable and very knowledgeable and fun! I love to listen to them! I loved the hands-on course content. Guide staff was great and very helpful. Excellent meals. Course was very well set up and organized."
Heather Smith, RN
"I couldn't think of anyone better than Howard Donner to teach a course like this. He is a true expert in the field. His lecture style sets the right tone for the week. Howard is truly awesome! Fabulous CME!"
LESLIE CHO, MD - EMERGENCY MEDICINE
"I don't have enough good things to say about this trip. I have already been spreading the word amongst my colleagues."
KURT BITTER, MD
COURSE CONTENT INCLUDES
- Altitude Illness
- Hypothermia
- Frostbite and Other Cold Injuries
- Environmental Heat Illness
- Traveler's Diarrhea, Giardia & Other Waterborne Wilderness Infections
- Surviving the Unexpected Night Out
- Lightning Injuries
- Improvised Medical and Trauma Care
- Management of Fractures and Dislocations
- Preparing for Foreign Travel
- Backcountry Medical Kits
- Wilderness Wound Management
- Patient Assessment in Wilderness Settings
- Wilderness Dermatology
- Marine Hazards & Envenomations
- Snake Envenomation
CME ACCREDITATION INFORMATION
"This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of the Center for Emergency Medical Education and Wilderness and Travel Medicine. The Center for Emergency Medical Education is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians."
The Center for Emergency Medical Education designates this live activity for a maximum of
16 AMA PRA Category 1 CME CreditsTM.
Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
This trip is planned, outfitted and conducted by Bio Bio Expeditions, or subcontractors arranged by Bio Bio Expeditions. Please note that Wilderness and Travel Medicine, LLC is responsible for the CME Educational content only. In addition, Wilderness and Travel Medicine reserves the right to change or substitute the faculty for any CME course without advance or prior notice to participants.
For more information or to register for this trip please call
Bio Bio Expeditions at 1-800-246-7238
UPCOMING CME DESTINATIONS BY DATE
Apr 20 - 30, 2026
Apr 24 - May 3, 2026
April 26 - May 10, 2026
National Conference on Wilderness Medicine: Santa Fe, NM
May 27 - 31, 2026
Skills Course Rafting & Mt. Shasta
June 7 - 12, 2026
National Conference on Wilderness Medicine: Big Sky Resort, MT
July 25 - 29, 2026
Deluxe African Safari: Zimbabwe
Aug 29 - Sept 8, 2026
Aug 30 - Sept 9, 2026
Middle Fork of the Salmon Rafting
Sept 1-6, 2026
Sept 17 - 25, 2026
Sept 19 - 29, 2026
Sept 21 - Oct 5, 2026
Sept 22 - Oct 3, 2026
Fly Fishing for All Levels - Northern California
Oct 11 - 16, 2026
Oct 11 - 24, 2026
Jan 16 - 23, 2027
Japan Ski & Snowboard Adventure
Jan 25 - Feb 1, 2027
March 14 - 21, 2027
Apr 19 - 29, 2027
April 25 - May 9, 2027
May 2 - 11, 2027
Skills Course Rafting & Mt. Shasta
June 6 - 11, 2027
June 11 - 19, 2027
Deluxe African Safari: Zimbabwe
July 29 - Aug 8, 2027
Aug. 29 - Sept. 8, 2027
Aug. 29 - Sept. 6, 2027
Middle Fork of the Salmon Rafting
Sept 1-6, 2027
Sept 7 - 15, 2027
Sept 19 - 29, 2027
Sept 21 - Oct 5, 2027
Oct 7 - 18, 2027
Oct 10 - 23, 2027
Fly Fishing for All Levels - Northern California
Oct 17 - 22, 2027
Oct 31 - Nov 11, 2027


DAY 3 - Orthopedics, Wound Care, and River Skills