EXHIBIT (23)


                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 33-63017, 333-46430, 333-55002, 333-70218 and
333-100885, and Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No.
2-76276) and in the Registration Statements on Form S-3 (Nos. 33-53795 and
333-112604, and Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement Nos.
33-1304, 33-20384, and 333-68184) of Northwest Natural Gas Company of our report
dated February 26, 2004 relating to the consolidated financial statements and
financial statement schedule, which appears in this Form 10-K.


/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Portland, Oregon
March 9, 2004