What a great place to stay! Irene and Steve were very friendly and offered to pick me up at the airport. However, it is very easy to get from the airport to their apartment using the MAX red line. Steve and Irene were very friendly and had lots of helpful tips about the area. They even left chocolate and wine for me!
Their apartment is ideally situated. I was able to get to the Pearl district quickly using the footbridge over Union Station. While I was in Portland I walked and used the Trimet system. Easy.

I enjoyed the view from the apartment windows overlooking the Willamette River. I could see huge ships, bridges, trains and tugboats going past the window. The walkway along the river goes right past the apartment. You can walk about a mile north passing the training paddock for the mounted police or walk the other way and get downtown. I also went up on the Steel Bridge nearby (accessed along Natio Parkway). There's an amazing view across to downtown and up and down the river.
I was able to park my rental car literally steps from the apartment. I drove to the coast in under 2 hours (in the rain). The Oregon Coast is phenomenal. Drive over the Astoria Bridge and go into Washington State. Visit Cape Disappointment - incredible!
Downtown is also walking distance. Buses and streetcars are easy to use and take in any direction.
The Pearl district is full of great cafes, restaurants and shops.
Don't forget to take the aerial tram up to OHSU in South Portland. I used the streetcar to get me there and back.
Can't wait to visit Portland and the Oregon Coast again!
Great coffee, beer, wine and food.
(Have to put a plug in for Coava Coffee in the warehouse along with Pacific Pie).