Wilderness Medicine and Survival CME

Skills Course

Whitewater Rafting the Klamath, Northern California

June 13 - 18, 2027
June 11 - 16, 2028

6 DAYS from $2,545

9 DAYS from $3,945*

*Optional Mt. Shasta ascent and snow school: June 10-12, 2027

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)
Kayaking on Clear Creek

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.

Map of connections to MFR airport
Paradise Point Map updated 2023 (1)

Itinerary Snapshot

Wilderness Medicine & Survival Skills Course
& Whitewater Rafting Adventure

Nearby side trips you can do on your own before or after the Wilderness Medicine and Survival Skills Course!

cme course california17
Northern California Coastal Redwoods (world's tallest trees)
cme course california18
Crater Lake National Park
cme course california16
Spectacular Oregon Coastline

Raft The Wild & Scenic Klamath - plus up to 2 bonus rivers

The Klamath anchors every trip. Clear Creek and the Cal Salmon are bonus runs we add when snowpack and flows allow.

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 13 - 18, 2027

WTM Intensive Skills Course Only

Medical professionals: $2,545

Adult Guests (Non-medical professionals): $1,995

Guests 13-18 years: $1,095

$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 10 - 18, 2027

WTM Intensive Skills Course & Mt. Shasta Climb

Medical professionals: $3,945

Adult Guests (Non-medical professionals): $3,395

Guests 13-18 years: $2,495

$789 Optional CME Cost
(16 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™)

Available - Filling Quickly

June 11 - 16, 2028

WTM Intensive Skills Course Only

Medical professionals: $2,700

Adult Guests (Non-medical professionals): $2,000

Guests 13-18 years: $1,200

$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 8 - 16, 2028

WTM Intensive Skills Course & Mt. Shasta Climb

Medical professionals: $4,200

Adult Guests (Non-medical professionals): $3,500

Guests 13-18 years: $2,700

$789 Optional CME Cost
(16 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™)

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:

cme course bhutan award1
cme course bhutan award2
cme course bhutan award3
cme course bhutan award4
Klamath Wilderness Medicine Skills Course Pano CME Course

Testimonials From Your Colleagues

5.0 from 28 reviews

The most amazing conference ever. Every class had take away you can use in everyday life. The rafting was so much fun. The team was exceptional and really developed an environment of comradery! I recommend this to anyone!!

Teri Pitman June 2026 · Google

A great recharge both professionally and personally! Amazing food, stunning setting, great CME content and a beautiful river that is making history. Thank you Ryan and Kyle-

Renata June 2026 · Google

An incredible experience! The wilderness medicine content was great, and the river rafting was a blast. But honestly? The food stole the show...it was a five-star culinary retreat! Highly recommend!

Melanie Abrenica June 2026 · Google

Rafting on river, excursion to water falls, and wilderness training. Great fun and food.

Michael Mallory June 2026 · Google

Amazing experience, lots of amazing people, good food, and exciting rapids

Duncan Reavis June 2026 · Google

This was the most amazing educational trip I've encountered in my career. I can't say enough about the staff, the "Michelin-star-worthy" chef Lo, and the people who attended. I found new friends for life. This is a trip to repeat every year. So blessed to have found this.

Lynette Salerno, PA-C June 2026 · Google

THIS is the way to do continuing medical education. The staff is excellent. The content is useful. The camp is beautiful. The food is almost unbelievably good. And the rafting and excursions are amazing.

Julia Gresham, PA-C June 2026 · Google

Professional logistics, teachers and guides on the most amazing white water adventure! The chef was 5 stars, and a lot of good humor and fun throughout!

Thomas Piazza 2025 · Google

This is an amazing course which I have attended several times. The information is useful, the staff is welcoming, the faculty is engaging and experienced, the food is great, the setting is magical and the rivers are exciting. In this environment it is easy to have a perfect day.

Tim Reekie 2025 · Google

The week was great! The lectures were interesting and the conversations from them were stimulating. The guides were prepared, safe, and well trained. The food and activities were great. I definitely plan to do another trip with this group!

Scott Gatlin 2025 · Google

Great experience! Very informative. Food was fantastic (thanks Lo!!!). I felt a very profound appreciation for the Klamath River and the ongoing dam removals. I am truly hopeful that this will lead to the restoration of a thriving salmon population.

Liberty Partridge August 2024 · Google

What a fantastic week! Perfect balance of adventure, education, community-building and relaxation. Beautiful venue with all the amenities you need, delicious food and fun whitewater literally within view of the "lecture hall". All guides, staff and educators were top notch. Would highly recommend to anyone looking to get a bit of adventure along with their CME.

Courtney Oyler June 2024 · Google

Great week learning basic wilderness skills. Lecturers were knowledgeable and entertaining. Fantastic food, rafting and learning in a unique and beautiful setting. Highly recommend, everything was extremely well organized.

Linda Nelson June 2024 · Google

This was a perfect environment to learn and practice wilderness skills. The instruction, location, staff, rafting, and food were all beyond expectations.

Melody 2024 · Google

This is by far the best CME course I have attended in many years. Outstanding speakers and demonstrations, amazing venue, absolutely excellent food, and great times on the water. Many thanks to the Allred brothers for coordinating this exceptional experience. If things ever go sideways on a trip, this course has left me better prepared. If you're tired of stuffy lecture halls and want a fun and rewarding experience, attending this course is a no-brainer.

Sean Traynor, MD 2024 · Google

What an incredible trip! So so fun. Guides were knowledgeable and very cool and fun to hang out with. Food was excellent! Shower facilities were great (hot water, great water pressure). The educational component was excellent as well. There were hands on activities and fascinating talks/lectures. I learned so much from the instructors, all of whom had extensive experience in wilderness medicine. Would 1000% recommend to friends and family. Great trip for people of all ages, kids too.

Michela Mickler 2024 · Google

We had a phenomenal time at the Wilderness Medicine and Survival CME course. White water rafting was a blast, the landscape was beautiful and the lecture content was great. The food was top notch, it was like we were eating at a 3 star Michelin restaurant for every meal.

Jennifer Enman 2024 · Google

This CME course was absolutely fantastic. I learned so much from the instructors; they are truly the best in their field. The hands-on learning made learning fun and applicable. The lodging and daily white water rafting adventures were phenomenal. The food was incredible. This trip has been recommended to all of my colleagues!

Jessica Roossien 2024 · Google

This course was such a positive experience. The daily itinerary for lectures, rafting, and meals was well organized, communicated, and executed. The location was beautiful. Best of all, I met a group of fun, smart, and inspiring people from all over. I feel like I learned so much in such a short period of time.

Andrea Hutchens July 2023 · Google

The only way to get CME.

Susan Echt June 2023 · Google

Best conference I've attended! Ryan and Kyle have a beautiful campground on the Klamath, the lectures were great and included a lot of hands on learning, and the meals were definitely the best camp food I've ever had. I've already recommended it to my colleagues!

Mark Price June 2023 · Google

Loved our time learning about wilderness medicine at paradise point!

Amy Painter June 2023 · Google

Best CME I have done! Wilderness med conference but also true wellness.

Tiffany Burns June 2023 · Google

Educational adult summer camp. Most fun I've had in a CME course.

Asaf Shor June 2023 · Google

The best CME I've ever attended! The course teaching faculty were among the best presenters and shared a great deal of enthusiasm, experience, and tremendous depth of knowledge of the course content. Ryan and Kyle and his team were exceptional hosts and the whole experience was amazing!

Ben Bring 2023 · Google

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

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

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

Faculty for the Wilderness Medicine and Survival Skills Course

cme course faculty howard

Howard J. Donner, MD

Co-author of The Field Guide to Wilderness Medicine. Featured in two successful NOVA documentaries including; Deadly Ascent, and the critically acclaimed Everest: The Death Zone. Medical operations consultant for NASA for 5 years. Medical advisor for Telluride's Search and Rescue team. Staff physician for the Himalayan Rescue Association for 2 seasons. Began his career as a professional river and mountain guide, now a Certified Flight Instructor and professional skipper. Has advised mountaineers, rescuers, Olympic athletes, pilots and aerospace personnel throughout his career.

Kyle Allred Headshot

Kyle Allred, PA

Professional expedition and whitewater guide on five continents for over 20 years. Wilderness survival instructor, field course instructor, and co-founder of MedWild.com Instructional Videos. Co-founder of MedCram.com Medical Education Videos.

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

UPCOMING CME DESTINATIONS BY DATE

UPCOMING CME DESTINATIONS BY DATE