Add Mount Rainier National Park to the growing lists of parks that are straining at the seams with visitation. So busy is the park this summer that officials are discouraging weekend visits, instead recommending that you show up in midweek, and early in the day.

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.