NORTHWEST NATURAL GAS CO
EXHIBIT 10(D)
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<TYPE>EX-10
<SEQUENCE>5
<FILENAME>0005.txt
<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 10(D)
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                                                                   EXHIBIT 10(D)


                                                     ORIGINAL SIGNED COUNTERPART


                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

     This agreement is between Northwest Natural Gas Company, an Oregon
corporation, hereinafter referred to as "NNG", and Lea Anne Doolittle,
hereinafter referred to as "Doolittle".

     WHEREAS, Doolittle has chosen to leave her position at PacifiCorp effective
October 30, 2000; and

     WHEREAS, NNG desires to employ Doolittle in a human resources capacity;

     WHEREAS, the parties have reached an agreement for the employment of
Doolittle;

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein
the parties agree as follows:

1.   POSITIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
     ------------------------------

     1.1  Doolittle shall be employed by NNG as its Vice President of Human
          Resources on October 30, 2000, reporting directly to the President and
          CEO, and shall have responsibility for human resources, including
          organization development and HRIS, and for such other activities
          assigned to her by the President and CEO.
     1.2  The Board shall retain at all times its inherent authority to elect
          and remove all officers.

2.   SALARY
     ------

     2.1  Doolittle's salary commencing on October 30, 2000, shall be $140,000
          per year.
     2.2  The salaries of all officers are adjusted by the Board of Directors
          annually.

3.   OTHER BENEFITS
     --------------

     3.1  The benefits granted to Doolittle include those made available to all
          exempt employees, as determined from time to time.
     3.2  Doolittle will initially accrue vacation at the rate of 1.250 days per
          month, recognizing her experience in excess of ten years, and
          thereafter at the standard vacation accrual rate.
     3.3  Doolittle is eligible, effective upon her employment, for immediate
          participation in all of the benefits described above with the
          exception of the Retirement K Savings Plan which has a 90-day period
          of service before participation begins, and the Employee Stock
          Purchase Plan which has a six-month waiting period.
     3.4  In addition to regular benefits, upon election as vice president,
          Doolittle shall be eligible for special executive benefits made
          available by the Board of Directors at that time to officers of NNG.
          These currently include the Executive Supplemental Retirement Income
          Plan, the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, the 1985 Stock Option
          Plan, the Executive Annual Incentive Plan, as adjusted by the Board to
          address strategic priorities, the Executive Supplemental Disability
          Income Plan, Executive Severance Agreement, Change in Control
          Severance Agreement, and the Executive vehicle allowance and parking
          benefit.

4.   SPECIAL CONDITIONS
     ------------------


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     4.1  It is a condition precedent of this Agreement that Doolittle will
          provide evidence of good health through a physical exam and
          pre-employment drug test to be scheduled and arranged by NNG.
     4.2  In March, 2001, NNG will pay a signing bonus of $27,200 to Doolittle,
          intended to compensate Doolittle in part for the lost opportunity to
          receive a performance award at PacifiCorp for 2000 performance.
     4.3  Upon employment, Doolittle shall be granted 5,000 shares of company
          stock under the 1985 Stock Option Plan.
     4.4  The existence and terms of this agreement will remain confidential
          until at least October 3, 2000.

5.   GENERAL PROVISIONS
     ------------------

     5.1  This agreement is not assignable without the express approval of both
          parties.
     5.2  This agreement may not be amended or canceled except by mutual
          agreement in writing.
     5.3  Notices shall be sufficient if sent by registered or certified mail to
          the addresses last specified by the parties.
     5.4  If litigation is commenced by either party to enforce the provisions
          of the Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to an award
          of costs and reasonable attorneys' fees.
     5.5  This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the
          State of Oregon.

IT IS SO AGREED:

NORTHWEST NATURAL
GAS COMPANY                             LEA ANNE DOOLITTLE


By: /s/ R. G. Reiten                    By: /s/ Lea Anne Doolittle
   --------------------------              --------------------------
     Its President                           Dated: 10/4/00
     Dated: 10/20/00


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