Gladstone to PSU

[Cassiel240]

I've been going via Oatfield road to McLoughlin through Milwaukie, to 17th to Tacoma, across the Sellwood bridge (eek!) to Macadam, to Boundary, up Corbett, down Barbur. Is there a better way to do this? Some people have recommended the Springwater from Sellwood, but I'm leery of that route early in the morning (I am a single female). Ideas?
And...once you get to PSU, where's the best place to park your bike?