EXHIBIT 23
                                           
                                           
                                           
                          CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
                                           
                                           
                                           
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements of
Northwest Pipe Company on Form S-8 (File Nos. 333-20165 and 333-20167) of our
report dated February 7, 1997 on our audits of the consolidated financial
statements and financial statement schedule of Northwest Pipe Company as of
December 31, 1996 and 1995, and for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1996, which report is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.




                                            Coopers & Lybrand, L.L.P.
                                           
Portland, Oregon
March 24, 1997