Before the gold rush, Indian Valley was used extensively by the Nisenan people, who were attracted by the oak groves and the availability of fish and deer. Beginning in 1849, the North Yuba River was intensively mined for gold, and the cone-shaped tailings along the river’s edge resulted from dragline dredging that ended in 1941. Stores, ranches, and sawmills were also located in Indian Valley to provide support services to surrounding miners. In the 1930s, the Forest Service began developing campgrounds for public use in the area, which was, and still is, a place for families to have an inexpensive vacation and enjoy nature.