Contributing photographer and writer Rebecca Latson is always curious about what other photographers pack in their gear bag and how they pack, in general, when traveling to a national park. Rebecca thought some of you readers might in turn, be interested as to her own luggage logic and what she packs for her national park photography trips. This article should answer some of that your questions and maybe you might even have some packing suggestions for her.

There's nothing like a good book or two to help you prepare for a national park visit, whether you're looking for some historical background, a trail or two to hike, or interested in the natural resources or local culture. With that in mind, here are a few titles you might consider in preparation of a visit to Mount Rainier National Park in Washington state.

Beginning March 15 you'll be able to go online and submit a request for a permit to hike the Wonderland Trail around Mount Rainier National Park this summer.

The new year is a time to reflect on events and photos from the previous year. How did you fare photographically for 2016? Do you have any particular favorite images? Why are they your favorites? After reviewing 2016, photographer Rebecca Latson presents her favorite images captured during that year with an explanation of why she likes each one, including camera settings, accessories used, and reasons for photographing the image.