Red Devil Lake off trail

If camping at Red Devil Lake has anyone tried to keep heading north toward Lake Washburn to rejoin the trail? The terrain along Red Peak Fork creek seems easily manageable... gets a little steep (slab) as it joins the Merced. Too steep with a full pack?

Thanks

I hiked from Red Devil Lake down the Red Peak Fork with a full pack in 2011. There is one short steep section down near the Merced which was not overly difficult. More difficult was climbing over all the downed trees on the way to the footbridge upstream. 2011 was a high water year and I didn't look very hard for an alternate crossing.

Thanks! I think we may give it a go. Hoping the smoke subsides in the net 2 weeks.