St. Mary Lake in Montana doesn’t just change color, it tells a new story with every single visit. For those willing to hike a little further, St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls await with serious payoff. The route to St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls is a perennial favorite, clocking in at roughly 2.5 miles through gorgeous mixed forest. When winter arrives at St. Mary Lake, the whole vibe shifts from vibrant and dynamic to something quieter, more sacred. St. Mary Lake in Montana in winter is proof that beauty doesn’t hibernate, it just changes its outfit.