Portland, OR
This city is interesting, the most European from american cities that I have visited. Reasonably priced Tram from airport to the city,USD2,05, in March'08. Choose you hotel next to tram line it is easy to arrive. Inner city public transportation is also for free.
For good city overview take a tram(cable car) to the top of the city. We walked down from there, giving interesting look into local neighborhood. City itself is also safe. I'm sure that it has it own areas which should be avoided.
Rent a car for a day or two to explore areas around. I did beautiful day trip to west coast over magnificiant mountains. Highway 6 to Tillamook and back via Cannon Beach Highway 26. Between those cities stop at Hug point and Tolovana Beach. Near Cannon Beach you can visit Oregon largest Spruce tree, some 3 meter wide and 60 tall.

For Air Museum fans there are 3 air museums in 100km radius. Tillamook, VAncouver, WA and ther "evergreen" with Howard Hughes Spruce Goose.

Oregon itself is shopper paradise. No sales tax! Great amount Ross Stores and Marshall's help to keep budget. More fancy shopping Lloyd Center, Cascades by airport and Columbia and North Face Stores in the city.

We stayed at the Shamrock Lodgettes ( http://www.shamrocklodgettes.com/ ) and they were perfect, tucked away in the woods just at the edge of the coast, walking distance to town, with stunning views. Highly recommend staying here.

When flying solo + not crashing with friends, the Jupiter Hotel was so much fun with their sparse mid-century modern furniture + blackboard doors. They have a lounge, salon + swank little gift shop on site for all kinds of ways to spend your money after scouring Portland's many fun wares! If the Portland visitor forgets: I was able to pick up a Marimekko umbrella at their gift shop...score!

Portland has a ton of outdoor activities and plenty of great restaurants. So, play casual in the day, and dress up for a night out in the Pearl.

Don't miss Crater Lake (about 5 hrs drive from Hillsboro). Check the weather before you go or you'll end up seeing nothing due to poor visibility. You could stay for a weekend at Mazama Motor Inn (camp or get a room), hike the next day to the lake for a boat ride to an island in the middle of the lake.

Don't miss Crater Lake (about 5 hrs drive from Hillsboro). Check the weather before you go or you'll end up seeing nothing due to poor visibility. You could stay for a weekend at Mazama Motor Inn (camp or get a room), hike the next day to the lake for a boat ride to an island in the middle of the lake.

Great beaches. Haystack Rock is always a favorite, especially for Goonies fans. Very cute town, but can be pricey. I would suggest visiting, but not lodging if you are on a budget.

Between Manzanita and Wheeler on US101. You cant miss it. There is a wooden half pipe at the school on the North side of H street about mid hill.

good spot to stay if you're going to see Crater lake and Ashland, it's in the middle of them!

Big City with Lots to do. Shopping, restraunts, clubs. Best thing No Sales Tax in Oregon. Not far from Long Beach, and many other scenic areas.