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 was the 2010 Mount Hood National Forest Quarter. This site had been chosen for the state of Oregon.

The US Mint announced the final design to be used for the reverse of the coin in early 2010. 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 was released into circulation on November 15, 2010 as the final coin for the year. The United States Mint also produced collectible proof and uncirculated versions of the coin, which were offered in special sets. A five ounce silver bullion coin bearing the same design will also be available.