EXHIBIT 23.1



                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


     We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement on Form S-8 of our report dated February 15, 2002 relating to the
financial statements and financial statement schedule of Northwest Natural Gas
Company (the "Company"), which appears in the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001.

/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Portland, Oregon
October 31, 2002