North San Juan was established in the early 1850s as miners flocked to the area during the California Gold Rush. The town became a hub for hydraulic mining, a method that used high-pressure water to extract gold from the hillsides. By the 1860s, the North San Juan area was home to some of the most significant hydraulic mining operations in California. The nearby Malakoff Diggins, now a state historic park, showcases remnants of this era, including dramatic man-made cliffs.
The mining boom brought prosperity and a population surge, with saloons, stores, and other businesses thriving. However, hydraulic mining's environmental impact, including devastating sediment runoff, led to the Sawyer Decision of 1884, which banned the practice. After mining faded, North San Juan became a quieter rural community. Its economy shifted to agriculture, timber, and small-scale ranching. In the 1960s and 1970s, the town saw an influx of countercultural residents, including artists and back-to-the-land advocates. Today, North San Juan retains its historic charm and serves as a gateway to outdoor recreation in the Sierra Nevada.