Since Colter is your Chapter 1 base, you are unable to explore much of the surrounding area while you're stationed there. The world only opens up to you in Chapter 2, so it's worth heading back after ...
After beginning The Isle of Bigsnax main quest to reach Broken Tooth island and catching the Big Bunger below the base camp, you'll be instructed to help Triffany, Floofty, Chandlo, and Shelda ...