As I do it almost everyday(have to, for work) I'll list the buses to take to get to vancouver mall from portland
1. First, take the Yellow Line Max to Delta Park/Vanden Port Park & Ride
2. There will be a C-Tran Shuttle that will take you to downtown Vancouver, take that one(If you see a 44, take that one instead, it will take you directly to Vancouver Mall)
3. From downtown(7th street) Vancouver, take either the # 4 or 32 bus which will take you to Vancouver mall
Notes: C-Tran will only accept (tri-met)passes so I suggest getting a day pass if you dun already have a week/month pass. They also do NOT give out transfers(meaning, without a pass, you have pay each time you go on board).
After Nov 18, the trip becomes simpler as #4 C-Tran bus will go from Delta Park all the way to Vancouver mall.
If anyone is completely confused and is really bad with directions, I am willing to ride down to Portland and then escort anyone back up to the Vancouver mall.