Mount Hood National Forest Quarter
In addition to depicting national parks, the new America the Beautiful Quarters series can also depict other federally designated sites. The first such site will come with the 2010 Mount Hood National Forest Quarter. This site has been chosen for the state of Oregon.
The US Mint has announced the final design to be used for the reverse of the coin. It is a depiction of Mount Hood with Lost Lake in the foreground. When candidate designs were being reviewed both the Commission of Fine Arts and Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee had found this to be the best choice. The obverse of the coin will feature a portrait of George Washington.
The area now in the state of Oregon known as Mount Hood National Forest was first protected as the Cascade Range Forest Preserve in 1893. It took on its current name in 1924. The area contains over one million acres, including the volcanic mountain Mt. Hood.
The Mount Hood Quarter will be released into circulation in November 2010 as the final coin for the year. The United States Mint will also produce collectible proof and uncirculated versions of the coin, which will be offered in special sets. A five ounce silver bullion coin bearing the same design will also be available.