.....to Hood River. It is a section of historic road from the early 1900s that will be some of the most scenic you could imagine. The Columbia River Gorge is an American treasure.
Gee, you might as well take what is called the Mt. Hood loop. It goes . through the Gorge to Hood River, then around the back side of Mt. Hood through orchards and forests and back to Portland. Foliage! That's where people go for foliage. Lots of farm stands and a portion of it actually follows the old Oregon Trail route where the pioneers crossed the Cascades.
Sellwood is a great place to stay. You will find NO LACK of things to do and see in Portland.
A good first stop is the visitor center at Pioneer Courthouse Square in Portland. This is called Portland's living room. The visitor center will have boatloads of brochures, and suggestions for any kind of activity. From Sellwood, you can take the bus right downtown, on Bybeel Street. It will take you right to the Square. Portland's transportlation system is wonderful. A day pass will cost you five bucks.
I could go on and on! I could tell you the name of the hottest restaurants and food carts. Portland is a foodie's heaven.
One thing I will tell you upfront is that Portland is a very very safe city. It is easy to stay oriented because the streets are laid out in a logical grid, and you can always see either Mt. Hood or the West Hills to know what direction you are facing. You needn't fear street crime unless you are out in a sketchy neighborhood late at night, and even then the risk is nearly nonexistent. Some tourists complain about panhandling downtown, but I think those tourists must look really rich or fearful. I never see that problem.
Japanese Garden is great. If you like nature walking, Sellwood is the location of what is called the Oaks Bottom trails by the Willamette River. Lots of birds and stuff there.
I could go on and on. Obviously. 
Edit history
= new reply since forum marked as read
