California's kid-friendly Truckee River rafting

It’s one of North Lake Tahoe’s most popular family activities: rafting or tubing on the Truckee River. And in the midst of July's heat, we can't think of a better way to cool off. Take a raft trip on California's mild Truckee, and you'll find it is a good river for a kid's first raft trip, or for a grownup who doesn't want to work too hard and chill out on a hot, lazy summer day.

The timing is perfect: we just heard from our pal Pettit Gilwee that the dam gates have flung open, the river is flowing, and rafting along Lake Tahoe’s scenic Truckee River is now underway. Two outfits— Tahoe City-based Mountain Air Sports and the Truckee River Raft Company—have opened for the season, offering self-guided, leisurely five-mile float trips down the Truckee River. North Lake Tahoe is just a 45-minute drive from the Reno Tahoe International Airport, two hours from Sacramento International Airport and just over three hours from San Francisco International Airport.

Details: With either the Truckee River Raft Company or Mountain Air Sports, most trips take two to three hours; you pull out at River Ranch Lodge near Alpine Meadows Road along Highway 89. Park in Tahoe City and take a free shuttle back to the car vehicles after the float (any time before 6 p.m). Hours: 8:30 —3:30 daily (weather permitting). Trips include parking, shuttle, paddles, life jackets and commercial rafts for 2-20 people; footwear is mandatory. Group rates are available. To watch a video of the trip, go to this link. For lodging reservations, recreation and event details, call North Lake Tahoe at 1-877-949-3296 or visit www.GoTahoeNorth.com.

California secret: Lake Tahoe's best beaches

When most of California is baking in triple digit heat, what better time to go to the beach? But no, not the crowded coastline—it's so crowded, nobody goes there anymore (our apologies to Yogi Berra). You should head for the sublime beaches of California's North Lake Tahoe. We got some great ideas from locals about their beach faves:

Best beaches to dip your toes in the water: Moon Dunes Beach in Tahoe Vista, an open sandy beach guarded by a grove of tress and sand dunes or Sand Harbor in Incline Village, with a scenic granite outcroppings and long sandy beaches.

Best beach playground: Tahoe City’s Commons Beach has a big playground and expansive lawn area, perfect for resting in between dips.

Best beach for families: Kings Beach State Recreation Area is one of the area’s most popular spots for families, where a wide stretch of sand is ideal for picnics and playtime (with adjacent playground and barbeques). Parasailing, kayak rentals and paddleboats are also available from a number of shops in and around the recreation area.

Best beach for pooches: Have a canine in your clan? Then head to Patton Beach, just west of the marina in Carnelian Bay or Kaspian Recreation Area on the West Shore, just south of Sunnyside.

Details: North Lake Tahoe is a 45-minute drive from the Reno Tahoe International Airport, two hours from Sacramento International Airport and just over three hours from San Francisco International Airport. For lodging reservations, recreation and event details, call North Lake Tahoe at 877/949-3296 or visit www.GoTahoeNorth.com.

PHOTO CREDIT: GoTahoeNorth/Zikas