Council Mountain South Ranch

Ranch Description

1,100 acres just south of Council, Idaho, this ranch delivers excellent hunting and recreation across rolling draws and creek bottoms that naturally attract deer, elk, and abundant wildlife. Lester Creek runs through the property, feeding the man-made pond and enriching the habitat along with Cool Creek. Offering a rare combination of privacy, scenery, and close-to-town convenience, it's a place where seclusion and adventure come together.

Land

Bordering the expansive Payette National Forest, this 1100 acre ranch showcases a diverse landscape of rangeland, rolling draws, and creek bottoms-ideal for recreation and ranching alike. The property offers exceptional hunting for deer, elk, bear, turkey, and upland birds. Open prairie and native grasses provide excellent grazing and habitat for wildlife. Lester Creek flows year-round, feeding a nearly 2-acre pond, while a seasonal creek replenishes a second pond. Additionally, 70 acres have previously been tilled and planted in an alfalfa/grass mix.

Improvements

The home is thoughtfully positioned amid mature trees, offering both privacy and natural beauty. The recently remodeled 4-bedroom, 2-bath residence with private well and septic, provides generous living space, with a deck that captures sweeping views of the valley and Cuddy Mountains. A solid cinderblock shop with a concrete floor anchors the ranch's improvements, complemented by two open carports for equipment storage and a barn that provides ample shelter for livestock. The property is fully fenced.

Recreation

Council is known as the gateway to outdoor adventure in Central Idaho, offering easy access to the Payette National Forest, the Seven Devils Mountain Range, and miles of public lands. From the property, you can hop on your horse or UTV via a nearby gravel road that connects directly to state and national forest service lands. The area is ideal for hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, skiing, and snowmobiling. The 84-mile Weiser River Trail passes through Council, providing scenic opportunities for biking, walking, and wildlife viewing along the river corridor. Nearby Lost Valley Reservoir is another local favorite for fishing, canoeing, and camping amid Idaho's stunning mountain scenery.

Nearby Recreational Spots to Explore Payette National Forest

Hells Canyon

Lost Valley Reservoir

Ben Ross Reservoir & Hornet Reservoir

Weiser River

Snake River

Weiser River Trail

Mundo Hot Springs

Zims Hot Springs

Council Greens Golf Course

Brundage Mountain Resort

Payette Lake

Tamarack Resort

Water/Mineral Rights & Natural Resources

Cottonwood Creek & Lester Creek Water Rights

Region & Climate

Council, Idaho enjoys a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons-warm, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. Its elevated location near the mountains brings crisp air, abundant sunshine, creating ideal conditions for year-round outdoor recreation.

History

Council, Idaho has its roots in the late 1800S, developing first as a ranching and logging community in the fertile Weiser River Valley. The area's open meadows, abundant timber, and access to water made it an attractive place for early settlers.

The town began to take shape in the 1890S as ranchers, homesteaders, and miners moved into the region. When the railroad arrived, the town grew quickly-shipping livestock, agricultural products, and lumber. Council became the county seat when Adams County was created in 1911, solidifying its role as the region's central hub.

Throughout the 20th century, timber, ranching, and agriculture continued to drive the local economy. The New Meadows-Council area became known for cattle operations, hay production, and sawmills. Though smaller today, Council retains its heritage as a tight-knit rural community surrounded by public lands, ranches, and some of Idaho's most scenic country.

Today, Council blends its historic ranching roots with outdoor recreation, drawing hunters, anglers, and adventurers to the Weiser River Trail, nearby National Forest, and the surrounding backcountry.

Location

Council, Idaho is a quaint mountain community that acts as the county seat of Adams County and sits along US Highway 95. Council sits between Cuddy Mountain to the west, rising to 7,715 feet, and Council Mountain to the east reaching 8,126 feet.

This area is considered the gateway to recreation in Central Idaho providing access to the Payette National Forest, the Seven Devils mountain range and a plethora of outdoor recreational opportunities. Local events celebrated in the area include Meadow Valley Days, and the Adams County Fair and Rodeo.

Council, Idaho offers small town living as well as abundant recreational activities. The town is approximately 2 hours from Boise, 45 minutes from McCall and just over an hour from Riggins making all the amenities and additional recreation within easy reach.

McCall provides excellent skiing and winter activities, while Riggins offers sunshine and warmer weather year-round with access to the iconic Salmon River with unmatched whitewater rafting and fishing. Boise is only two hours away, making the Boise Airport convenient for travel.