Stay on the East sude. Anywhere but avoid too close to the river, it might be industrial.
Things to do:
- check my profile for lists
- https://matadornetwork.com/read/8-ways-keep-costs-trip-portland/
- https://matadornetwork.com/read/explore-portland-bike/
-… More
Multnomah Falls! If you have the time, Crater Lake National Park. If you want a place with a lot (i mean a lot) of hiking options, check out the city of Bend.