STOEL RIVES LLP ----------------------------- ATTORNEYS STANDARD INSURANCE CENTER 900 SW FIFTH AVENUE SUITE 2600 PORTLAND, OREGON 97204-1268 Phone (503) 224-3380 Fax (503) 220-2480 EXHIBIT 23(B) February 9, 2001 Northwest Natural Gas Company One Pacific Square 220 NW Second Avenue Portland, Oregon 97209 Attention: Mark S. Dodson, Esq., General Counsel We hereby authorize and consent to the reference to Stoel Rives LLP in the section captioned "Experts" contained in the Registration Statement of Northwest Natural Gas Company on Form S-3, as filed on or about the date hereof. /s/ Stoel Rives STOEL RIVES LLP