Exhibit (10n.-1)

                        AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

         Paragraphs 6.3 and 6.4 of the Employment Agreement between the
undersigned parties dated November 2, 1995, as amended February 22, 1996, hereby
are deleted and replaced by the following, to conform to the original intent of
the parties:

6.3       If, despite the employment covenants included herein, Reiten's

          employment is terminated without cause or without disability under
          Paragraph 6.2, or if Reiten becomes entitled to a lump sum severance
          payment under Section 7 below, then Reiten shall be immediately vested
          under the ESRIP and shall be granted early retirement with all
          benefits under ESRIP, without any reduction based on age at retirement
          under the schedule in the Appendix to the ESRIP, as if he were fully
          and completely vested.

6.4       The accelerated vesting and the benefits provided under this Section 6
          shall be deemed to constitute liquidated damages and not a penalty
          under this agreement.

IT IS SO AGREED:

NORTHWEST NATURAL                           RICHARD G. REITEN
GAS COMPANY

/s/ Robert L. Ridgley                       /s/ Richard G. Reiten
- -------------------------------             ---------------------------
Title:   Chairman of the Board              Dated:   December 18, 1997

Dated:   December 18, 1997

APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF NORTHWEST NATURAL GAS COMPANY

                                   By:    /s/ Benjamin R. Whiteley
                                        -------------------------------
                                             Its Lead Director
                                   Dated:   December 18, 1997