Have a bounty--Nalrend the Wise who is suppose to be in the Elmshore region...  But this region isn't even showing on my map yet.  Possibly related is crossing the river at Stormwall Gorge which is on map.  I can mark a route out in the water at the bottom of the Gorge but the gang will not wade into it.  Getting across looks like it requires something missing--like a boat?  And that may involve visiting something in the Defiance Bay area??

 

Would like some clues/answers on this please.  Thanks...

You will be able to access the area at some point further along in the game.

Ratsneve, this is normal.  You need to advance the main plot line further.  After a certain event, the storms flooding Stormwall Gorge will end and you'll be able to gain access to the areas on the other side of that river.  It's a similar plot device that was used to prevent you from going beyond Caed Nua until after you've dealt with Maerwald.