EXHIBIT 23





          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


          We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
          Statement of Northwest Natural Gas Company and subsidiaries on
          Form S-3 of our report dated February 20, 1996, appearing in the
          Annual Report on Form 10-K of Northwest Natural Gas Company for
          the year ended December 31, 1995 and to the reference to us under
          the heading "Experts" in the Prospectus, which is part of this
          Registration Statement. 


          /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
          
          DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP 

          October 31, 1996