Tygh Valley took its name from the Tygh Indians, the area's original residents, who camped and traded with early emigrants there. In 1845, Oregon Trail pioneers followed a wagon road from The Dalles, crossing Tygh Ridge and descending to the valley floor across from today's Wasco County Fairgrounds. By 1850, some Oregon Trail travelers used a shortcut from the John Day River, crossing the Deschutes River and heading west to Tygh Valley, bypassing The Dalles and avoiding many miles. When leaving the valley on the new Barlow Road, travelers used many of the draws to the west, especially the one near the fairground.