There was no dialogue option with the Ferryman when I first came to the swamp in chapter 2, and while I spotted the Lumberjacks ONCE, I did not encounter Yaren Bolt. I know it's possible for the Lumberjacks to all be killed off in A Long Way From Home but I didn't even manage to trigger the first quest with them. I'm also past Force Recon, so the Order's no longer occupying their glade.

You need an Intelligence skill that allows you to gather herbs.
Also, maybe look again? He should be the dwarf that's either sleeping or cutting the log.

Though, I don't really know how Force Recon might interact, there should not be an effect AFAIK.
And ALWFH quest should not be possible if you've not done that one and one for Vasca.

Turns out I was too far North was all. The Lumberjacks were further south of where I thought they were (I had been searching the clearing and the glade hadn't been marked on my map yet).