It's no secret that we're blessed with epic views in Central and North Central Montana.

When the flurries fly and the temperatures drop, the Missouri River provides an epic backdrop against the Montana sky.

Visitors often make it a point to see the waterfalls during the summer, but I'm here to tell you the views are almost more epic during the winter.

The water over the falls often becomes frozen and creates epic ice caps.

Take a look at some of these recent photos from Rainbow Falls.

The Corps Of Discovery

During the summer of 1805,  Meriwether Lewis stood in awe at one of the most epic views in Central Montana.

As the Corps of Discovery ventured along the Missouri River near present Great Falls, they stumbled upon what was described as "one of the most beautiful objects in nature."

This spectacular site was a 50-foot-high waterfall spanned the river for at least a quarter mile.

Rainbow Falls

Today, this remarkable site is known as Rainbow Falls.

It's located just upstream from Crooked Falls, about a mile downstream from Giant Springs.

Construction began at the Rainbow Dam in 1910, which altered the river's flow and diverted much of the water into a hydroelectric power plant.

Fortunately, visitors are still able to see the beauty of Rainbow Falls.

Multiple overlooks create an excellent vantage point.

Visitors can also hike a footpath that provides even more epic views of Rainbow Falls.

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