INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


          We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
          Statement of Northwest Natural Gas Company on Form S-3 of our
          report dated February 12, 1997, appearing in the Annual Report on
          Form 10-K of Northwest Natural Gas Company for the year ended
          December 31, 1997 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

          March 19, 1998