Exhibit (23a.)

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos.
33-63017 and 33-63585, Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement
No. 2-76276, and Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement No.
2-77195 on Form S-8 and in Registration Statement Nos. 33-53795, 333-15323, and
333-32989 and Post-Effective Amendments No. 1 to Registration Statements Nos.
33-1304 and 33-20384 on Form S-3 of our report dated February 12, 1997 appearing
in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Northwest Natural Gas Company for the year
ended December 31, 1997.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

March 13, 1998