June 8 - 14, 2024*
June 7 - 13, 2025*
*Summiting Mt. Shasta adds two additional days (optional)
7 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS from $2,395
9 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS from $3,280
Including Mt. Shasta Ascent
Trip Highlights
The 26th Annual Wilderness Medicine Skills Course at a spectacular riverside location, with 16 CME credits
Enjoy four days of whitewater rafting on three 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 instructors Howard Donner, MD & Sheryl Olson, RN
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 clinicians from all specialties (physicians, PAs, NPs, nurses, and medics) who want to learn state-of-the-art wilderness medicine, survival, and wilderness travel skills in a spectacular outdoor setting. Non-medical guests (at least 13 years old) are welcome to participate in the course to whatever extent they’d like - and their recurring feedback is also very positive.
The CME lectures (16 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits) include exciting demos, interactive workshops, and patient scenarios. Learn from renowned leaders in the field of wilderness medicine including Howard Donner, MD, and Sheryl Olson, RN.
Participants will experience four days of whitewater rafting on some of the country's finest rivers and savor delicious farm-to-table meals crafted by Chef Lauren. There's also an optional challenge to summit the breathtaking Mt. Shasta at 14,180 ft.
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 techniques
- Snake envenomations, wilderness ENT problems
- Backcountry evacuation, helicopter rescue, improvised carries, packaging, and litters
- Lightning, OB/GYN in the wilderness, waterborne illness/disinfection
- Patient assessment in an austere/wilderness setting
- Preparing a medical kit for travel, adventures, and expeditions
Wilderness Survival & Travel Skills Include:
- Fire starting, shelter building, signaling, attaining water
- Ropes & knots for survival and rescue
- Orienteering (map/compass, GPS, etc.) and navigation
- Blister prevention and treatment
- Whitewater rafting skills and cold-water immersion
- Flood and swift-water crossing techniques
- Wilderness rescue, communications, emergencies in airplanes
- Basic mountaineering, ice axe, and snow travel skills (optional, taught by SWS Mountain Guides)
Where does this course take place?
Your home for the course is Paradise Point, a private 20-acre riverside retreat surrounded by the rugged Mt. Shasta, Marble Mountains, and Siskiyou Wilderness areas of N. California. It is an ideal location for whitewater rafting on some of America's finest rivers. All delicious meals and drinks (wine, beer, non-alcoholic drinks) are included!
Despite its secluded wilderness location, traveling to Paradise Point is easy. We recommend flying into Medford Airport (MFR) which is a well-connected regional hub that's a relatively short drive away (rent a car, or inquire about an optional round-trip shuttle service).
Non-medical professional family and guests (at least 13 years old) welcome!
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 Arrive at Paradise Point (your deluxe, private campground for the week) by 10 AM. After group intros, we'll jump right into interactive lectures and hands-on skills including:• High altitude illness
• Practical wilderness medicine skills and patient carries
• Survival skills: shelter and signaling practice
• Flood and swiftwater safety and rescue
• Frostbite Prevention and Treatment
DAY 2 Whitewater rafting on the Klamath River (class III whitewater = moderate, fun) at the base of the Marble Mountains in Northern California. Expect fantastic wildlife and scenery. Early risers can enjoy optional guided yoga each morning at 6:45 AM
Hands-on workshops and interactive lectures include:
• Lightning injuries and prevention
• Ropes and knots for survival and rescue
• Hypothermia and cold water immersion
• Strategies for preparing an expedition medical kit
DAY 3 Whitewater rafting on Clear Creek including fun rapids in a deep canyon with world-class scenery (class III whitewater, river flow dependent).
DAY 3 Whitewater rafting on Clear Creek including fun rapids in a deep canyon with world-class scenery (class III whitewater, river flow dependent).
Hands-on workshops and interactive lectures include:
• Heat illness
• Splinting workshop of common ortho injuries
• Reducing anterior shoulder dislocations
• OB/Gyn in the Wilderness
DAY 4 Whitewater rafting on the breathtaking Salmon River with class III to IV rapids (fun, exciting rapids. River flow dependent).
Hands-on workshops and interactive lectures include:
• Wilderness infectious disease and water treatment
• Patient assessment and packaging
• Stream crossing strategies and practice
• Blister prevention and treatment
DAY 5 Whitewater rafting on the Klamath River including an optional hike to Ukanam Falls with incredible scenery.
Hands-on workshops and interactive lectures include:
• Map and Compass / GPS Navigation
• Patient assessment and packaging
• Wilderness eye & ENT problems
• Snake envenomations
DAY 6 After breakfast (and optional early morning yoga), we'll spend the day on a variety of wilderness medicine and survival activities including:
DAY 6 After breakfast (and optional early morning yoga), we'll spend the day on a variety of wilderness medicine and survival activities including:
• Survival Skills: Fire, water, planning a kit
• Patient scenarios and practice
• Survival skills practice and competition
• Rescue communications and medical emergencies in the air
DAY 7 (optional): All-day outdoor workshop, "Snow School," on basic mountaineering on Mt. Shasta with Sierra Wilderness Seminars. Includes snow travel, crampons and ice axe, and self-rescue techniques.
DAYS 8-9 (optional): Guided ascent to the summit of awe-inspiring Mt. Shasta (14,180 ft.).
About the Whitewater Rafting during this unique course
This course includes four days of fun and exciting whitewater rafting. Three of the days are on beautiful class II / III sections the Klamath River and the breathtaking Clear Creek. The Klamath and Clear Creek are excellent rivers for all skill levels. These rivers flow through rugged, gorgeous, forested canyons, and each has an abundance of wildlife. For instance, we commonly see bald eagles, osprey, black bears, deer, and river otters.
On the fourth day of rafting, we travel to the nearby Salmon River. Here we experience more challenging class IV whitewater, coupled with crystal clear water in a spectacular rocky gorge. However, if you prefer not to participate in more challenging whitewater, we have an optional itinerary on a fun class II / III section of the Klamath.
Our professional whitewater guides for this trip include two former members of the US 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 is famous for its beautiful scenery and wildlife! Thus, it is protected as a National Wild & Scenic River. And the Klamath has playful class II-III whitewater which is great for all skill levels.
Clear Creek
Pristine and remote Clear Creek has almost surreal beauty! Here you will experience crystal clear water in a deep bedrock gorge surrounded by lush forest. In addition, frequent and fun class II-III rapids pepper the run.
Salmon River
The Cal Salmon is a whitewater classic! The river flows through a steep, intimate, granite gorge of breathtaking beauty. Here you will experience emerald pools punctuated by frequent exhilarating class III-IV rapids!
Dates & Pricing
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you'll have. Prices are based on double occupancy.
Trips include: All meals & drinks, 4 days of whitewater rafting, tent, sleeping pad ($150 discount for participants who bring their own tent/pad)
June 8 - 14, 2024
WTM Intensive Skills Course Only
Medical professionals: $2,395
Adult Guests (Non-medical professionals): $1,695
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 8 - 16, 2024
WTM Intensive Skills Course & Mt. Shasta Climb
Medical professionals: $3,280
Adult Guests (Non-medical professionals): $2,580
Guests 13-18 years: $1,880
$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 - 13, 2025
WTM Intensive Skills Course Only
Medical professionals: $2,495
Adult Guests (Non-medical professionals): $1,795
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 - 15, 2023
WTM Intensive Skills Course & Mt. Shasta Climb
Medical professionals: TBD
Adult Guests (Non-medical professionals): TBD
Guests 13-18 years: TBD
$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
Faculty for the Wilderness Medicine and Survival Skills Course
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 film: 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.
Sheryl Olson, RN, BSN
Outdoor Survival and Navigation Instructor, Flight Nurse, Wilderness Safety Instructor, and Cruise Ship Nurse. Developed a survival training program for air medical flight crews in Colorado. Has led several expeditions to Everest Base Camp. One of the lead instructors of Advanced Wilderness Expedition Provider (AWEP).
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
Sept 6 - 16, 2023
Sept 21 - Oct 2, 2023
Oct 1 - 15, 2023
Fly Fishing for All Levels - Northern California
Oct 8 - 13, 2023
Oct 8 - 18, 2023
Fly Fishing for All Levels - Northern California
Oct 15 - 20, 2023
Oct 22 - Nov 5, 2023
Oct 23 - Nov 3, 2023
Jan 27 - Feb 3, 2024
Classic Patagonia - Torres Del Paine
Jan 24 - Feb 4, 2024
Jan 25- Feb 2, 2024
The National Conference on Wilderness Medicine - Big Sky Ski Resort
Feb 10 - 14, 2024
Japan Ski & Snowboard Adventure
Feb 18 - 24, 2024
Japan Ski & Snowboard Adventure
Feb 25 - Mar 2, 2024
Mar 17 - 24, 2024
Apr 1 - 11, 2024
Apr 14 - 24, 2024
Apr 25 - May 12, 2024
The National Conference on Wilderness Medicine - Santa Fe
May 29 - June 2, 2024
Skills Course Rafting & Mt. Shasta
June 8- 14, 2024
The National Conference on Wilderness Medicine - Big Sky
July 27 - July 31, 2024
June 3 - 8, 2024
Deluxe African Safari: Zimbabwe
July 29 - Aug 8, 2024
Sept 1 - 6, 2024
Sept 1 - 11, 2024
Deluxe African Safari: Zimbabwe
Sept 5 - 15, 2024
Sept 11 - 21, 2024
Sept 12 - 23, 2024
Sept 19 - 27, 2024
Oct 6 - 16, 2024
Oct 6 - 20, 2024
Oct 13 - 24, 2024
Oct 21 - Nov 4, 2024
Classic Patagonia - Torres Del Paine
Jan 26 - Feb 6, 2025
April 23 - May 10, 2025
Apr 25 - May 5, 2025
Skills Course Rafting & Mt. Shasta
June 7 - 13, 2025
Deluxe African Safari: Zimbabwe
Aug 16 - 26, 2025
Fly Fishing for All Levels - Northern California
Oct 12 - 17, 2025