Gales Creek shares its name with a stream, a tributary of the Tualatin River, that was named for pioneer Joseph Gale, who settled in the area[2] The locale was sometimes called Gales City.[2] Gales Creek post office was established in 1874.[2] In the 19th century the town was the last stagecoach stop on the way to Tillamook.[3] Gales Creek Elementary School was established in 1859 and is served by the Forest Grove School District. The school closed in 2011, and currently acts as a special education treatment facility.[4] The community is part of the Forest Grove Fire and Rescue district and has a fire station.[5]