The Uncompahgre leads through southwestern Colorado. It is rarely used due to the mining pollution that causes the water to be off colored. The heavy metal pollution has killed most of the aquatic life, but does not affect whitewater sports if you are willing to overlook the color of the water.
The Uncompahgre River collects its headwaters in the mountains that surround Ouray. Canyon Creek, Oak Creek, Portland Creek, Bear Creek and Falls Cascade Creek, join the waters of the Uncompahgre in Ouray to form the Uncompahgre River Valley.
