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